admiration

[ ad-muh-rey-shuhn ]

noun

1. a feeling of wonder, pleasure, or approval.

   Synonyms: affection, regard, esteem, approval

   Antonyms: condemnation

2. the act of looking on or contemplating with pleasure:

   admiration of fine paintings.

3. an object of wonder, pleasure, or approval:

   The dancer was the admiration of everyone.

4. Archaic. wonder; astonishment.

admiration

/ ˌædməˈreɪʃən /

noun

1. pleasurable contemplation or surprise
2. a person or thing that is admired

   she was the admiration of the court

3. archaic.
   wonder

Other Words From

• ad·mi·ra·tive [ad-, mahy, -r, uh, -tiv, ad-m, uh, -, rey, -], adjective
• ad·mira·tive·ly adverb
• self-admi·ration noun
• super·admi·ration noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of admiration¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English admiracion, from Latin admīrātiōn-, stem of admīrātiō; equivalent to admire + -ation

Idioms and Phrases

see mutual admiration society .

Example Sentences

There’s righteousness there that’s hard to ignore, and it’s made Bonhoeffer, the author of dozens of books before his death, a figure of admiration and a martyr to many.

From Los Angeles Times

Sir Tony said there was "nothing formal" about their partnership in government - and that they developed a "genuine admiration, respect and affection for each other."

From BBC

Overcoming such a loss of rhythm to lead the team to victory only intensified his teammates’ admiration for him.

From Los Angeles Times

Democratic opponents have also accused him of cosying up to Putin, whom he has repeatedly expressed admiration for.

From BBC

Returning to his former manager, he told him he had "deep admiration" for his work and his ability to take big risks.

From BBC

Related Words

• adoration
• affection
• applause
• appreciation
• delight
• esteem
• fondness
• love
• pleasure
• praise
• recognition
• reverence
• wonder
• wonderment