adoration
Americannoun
-
the act of paying honor, as to a divine being; worship.
-
reverent homage.
-
fervent and devoted love.
noun
-
deep love or esteem
-
the act of worshipping
Etymology
Origin of adoration
1535–45; < Latin adōrātiōn- (stem of adōrātiō ) worship. See adore, -ation
Explanation
Adoration is a feeling of deep love. Some people may say animals don't have emotions, but you know from the adoration in your dog's eyes that it's just not true. The noun adoration comes from the Latin word adorationem, which means "worship," particularly in a religious way. Adoration is still used today in a religious context, in phrases like "the adoration of God." If you adore or deeply love someone, you can describe that feeling as adoration. It's the kind of feeling Romeo had for Juliet, devoted fans have for a pop star, and you have for your beloved cat.
Vocabulary lists containing adoration
Dubliners
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"The Picture of Dorian Gray," Vocabulary from Chapters 5-8
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Camp Panda
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Many items on sale reveal her adoration of animals, including a large selection of cuddly toys and collars that belonged to her dogs.
From BBC ● Sep. 20, 2026
With hundreds of thousands of people lining the streets, Arsenal's men's and women's sides took in the adoration of their supporters during a two-and-a-half-hour five-mile loop, which started and finished at the club's Emirates Stadium.
From BBC ● May 31, 2026
Perhaps SGA would get more adoration if he starred for a big-market club with courtside celebrities.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 18, 2026
He’s not a filmmaker given to false modesty, but how long can you bask in that kind of adoration?
From Los Angeles Times ● May 11, 2026
The dragons are gazing up at Kavita with adoration.
From "Dragons in a Bag" by Zetta Elliott
![]()
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.