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adoration

American  
[ad-uh-rey-shuhn] / ˌæd əˈreɪ ʃən /

noun

  1. the act of paying honor, as to a divine being; worship.

  2. reverent homage.

  3. fervent and devoted love.


adoration British  
/ ˌædəˈreɪʃən /

noun

  1. deep love or esteem

  2. the act of worshipping

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

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Vocabulary lists containing adoration

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.

See Examples For:

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

And Lady Gaga, Mother Monster though she is, has spent her short but promising acting career channeling grandma, which I mean with the utmost respect and adoration.

From Salon May 10, 2026

“It’s the markers of age that make something very organic, analog, real and personal,” Schwartz explains about his adoration for VHS.

From Los Angeles Times Apr. 23, 2026

The wave of adoration has accelerated alongside García Harfuch’s high-profile campaign against organized crime.

From The Wall Street Journal Apr. 12, 2026

Her large, expressive eyes looked at him with absolute adoration.

From "Forged by Fire" by Sharon M. Draper

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