admire

[ ad-mahyuhr ]

verb (used with object)

, ad·mired, ad·mir·ing.

1. to regard with wonder, pleasure, or approval.

   Synonyms: venerate, revere, esteem

   Antonyms: despise

2. to regard with wonder or surprise (usually used ironically or sarcastically):

   I admire your audacity.

verb (used without object)

, ad·mired, ad·mir·ing.

1. to feel or express admiration.
2. Dialect. to take pleasure; like or desire:

   I would admire to go.

admire

/ ədˈmaɪə /

verb

1. to regard with esteem, respect, approval, or pleased surprise
2. archaic.
   to wonder at

Derived Forms

• adˈmiring, adjective
• adˈmiringly, adverb
• adˈmirer, noun

Other Words From

• ad·mir·er noun
• pre·ad·mire verb (used with object) preadmired preadmiring
• qua·si-ad·mire verb quasiadmired quasiadmiring
• un·ad·mired adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of admire¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Latin admīrārī, equivalent to ad- ad- + mīrārī (in Medieval Latin mīrāre ) “to wonder at, admire”

Word History and Origins

Origin of admire¹

C16: from Latin admīrāri to wonder at, from ad- to, at + mīrāri to wonder, from mīrus wonderful

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. be admiring of, Chiefly South Midland and Southern U.S. to admire:

   He's admiring of his brother's farm.

Example Sentences

“I love you, admire you. … The idea of ‘Radio Güira’ came directly from Jesus.

From Los Angeles Times

They found him intellectually engaging, admired his provocative curiosity and became his friends.

From Salon

James is also looking forward to working under Bellamy as the former Wales captain is a player he admired when he first dreamed of playing for his country.

From BBC

After 70-plus years in the performing arts, it seems like everyone who works with Squibb, now 95, walks away admiring her wry comic timing, naturalistic delivery and preparation.

From Los Angeles Times

I should add that Jefferson greatly admired the medieval world before the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 ended Anglo-Saxon rule.

From Salon

Related Words

• adore
• applaud
• appreciate
• cherish
• commend
• credit
• extol
• hail
• honor
• idolize
• laud
• marvel at
• praise
• prize
• respect
• revere
• treasure
• worship