admire
admire
Pronunciation
admire
/ədˈmaɪər/
ad- /əd/:
/ə/ (schwa): a weak, unstressed vowel sound, like the "a" in "sofa."
/d/: a voiced alveolar stop, like the "d" in "dog."
-mire /ˈmaɪər/:
/m/: a voiced bilabial nasal, like the "m" in "cat."
/aɪ/: a diphthong, a glide from the "a" in "father" to the "i" in "machine."
/ər/: a vocalic r, like the "er" in "butter."
Word Form Variations
Verb:
Base form: admire
Third-person singular present: admires
Present participle: admiring
Past tense: admired
Past participle: admired
Noun (from the verb):
Admirer (person who admires)
Admiration (the act or feeling of admiring)
Adjective:
Admirable (worthy of admiration)
Adverb:
Admirably (in an admirable manner)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Verb
Definition 1: To regard with respect, pleasure, or approval, often due to an appreciation of someone or something's qualities, achievements, or beauty.
Synonyms: respect, appreciate, esteem, praise, commend, adore, venerate
Antonyms: despise, scorn, disdain, loathe, abhor, detest
Definition 2: To look at something or someone with great pleasure and a sense of wonder or awe, often due to its impressive or beautiful nature.
Synonyms: gaze at, marvel at, wonder at, gape at, be captivated by
Antonyms: ignore, disregard, overlook, dismiss
Noun
Admirer
Definition 1: A person who holds someone or something in high regard, often expressing appreciation or praise.
Synonyms: fan, devotee, supporter, devotee, enthusiast, connoisseur
Antonyms: critic, detractor, hater, opponent
Admiration
Definition 1: A feeling of respect and approval inspired by the qualities or achievements of someone or something.
Synonyms: esteem, reverence, veneration, high regard, respect, awe
Antonyms: contempt, disdain, scorn, disapproval, disgust
Adjective
Admirable
Definition 1: Deserving of respect, praise, or approval due to excellent qualities, conduct, or achievements.
Synonyms: praiseworthy, commendable, laudable, exemplary, meritorious, respectable
Antonyms: deplorable, reprehensible, blameworthy, shameful, contemptible
Adverb
Admirably
Definition 1: In a manner that deserves admiration; excellently or commendably.
Synonyms: excellently, commendably, laudably, superbly, wonderfully, skillfully
Antonyms: poorly, inadequately, badly, shamefully, deplorably
Examples of Use
Books:
"He had a profound ability to admire the intricate beauty of nature, from a single dewdrop to the vastness of the cosmos." (Stephen King, Lisey's Story, October 2006)
"Elizabeth had been a good deal less in awe of him than she was now; she had not admired him at all at first, for she had once heard him speak rather slightingly of her sex." (Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, January 1813)
Newspapers:
"The city council continues to admire the swift and effective response of local emergency services during the recent flood." (The Guardian)
"While many admired the artist's bold new direction, some critics found the work to be overly abstract." (The New York Times)
Online Publications:
"Fans around the world continue to admire the athlete's dedication and resilience, which have been key to her long and successful career." (ESPN.com)
"We admire companies that prioritize ethical sourcing and sustainable practices in their manufacturing processes." (Forbes.com)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "I truly admire your courage in the face of such adversity." (Dialogue from Dune: Part Two, March 2024)
Television: "The judges often admire the creativity and technical skill demonstrated by the bakers in the final challenge." (The Great British Baking Show, October 2023)
Music: "I admire your mind, your grace, your style, your eyes..." (Lyrics from "Adore You" by Harry Styles, December 2019)
Video Games: "Your tactical prowess is truly admirable, Commander." (In-game dialogue from Starcraft II, November 2020)
General Public Discourse:
"I really admire how she handles difficult situations with such grace." (Heard in a casual conversation)
"Many people admire his dedication to public service, even through challenging times." (Comment on a social media post)
"It's admirable how they've managed to build such a strong community around their shared interests." (Discussion at a local community event)
10 Quotes Using Admire
"We admire what we do not understand." (Thomas Browne)
"What you admire in others is already in you." (Unknown)
"I admire people who are born with a talent and work hard to make the most of it." (Unknown)
"We admire the man who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection." (Thomas Paine)
"It is not so much what you admire, as what you do that counts." (Bruce Lee)
"I admire you for coming here. I know it's not easy." (Dialogue from The Shawshank Redemption)
"You must admire the way he perseveres despite all the setbacks." (Unknown)
"I don't admire the man who doesn't make a mistake, but I admire the man who admits it and rectifies it." (Unknown)
"We do not admire the man of talent if he is not also a man of courage." (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
"I admire a person who is frank and honest and stands up for what they believe in." (Unknown)
Etymology
The word "admire" has a pretty cool journey through language! It ultimately comes from Latin.
It started with the Latin verb admirari, which meant "to wonder at" or "to be astonished." This Latin word itself was formed by putting together two parts:
ad-: a prefix meaning "to" or "with regard to."
mirari: meaning "to wonder." This is where we get other words like "miracle" (something wonderful).
So, originally, to "admire" something was to "look at it with wonder" or "be surprised by it."
The word then traveled into Old French as admirer (or sometimes amirer), meaning "to look upon, contemplate."
The first known use of "admire" in English was in the early 15th century (around 1429), and its meaning was still quite close to its Latin roots: "to regard with wonder, marvel at." Over time, the meaning gradually softened and broadened to include the sense of "to regard with pleasure and esteem," which is how we mostly use it today, though the older sense of wonder or astonishment can still be found in some contexts.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Admire
To admire from afar: To appreciate someone or something without being directly involved or close to them.
To admire one's pluck: To respect someone's courage or determination.
To have an admirable quality: To possess a characteristic that is worthy of respect or praise.
An admirable feat: An impressive or commendable achievement.
To hold in high admiration: To regard someone or something with great respect and approval.
To be the object of admiration: To be someone or something that others look up to or respect.
To win admiration: To earn respect or approval from others.
To look up to someone: (Synonym for admiring) To respect and often aspire to be like someone.
To sing someone's praises: (Synonym for admiring) To express strong approval or commendation of someone.
To hold in high esteem: (Synonym for admiring) To have a very good opinion of someone or something.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of admire from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
