admire
To look at something or someone and feel happy because you think they are great or beautiful.
Explanation at your level:
To admire means you look at something and think it is nice. If you see a pretty flower, you can say, 'I admire this flower.' You use it when you like something a lot.
You use admire when you respect a person. For example, 'I admire my teacher because she is very smart.' It is a positive word used to show you like someone's actions or personality.
In this level, you use admire to talk about achievements. You might admire someone's dedication to a goal. It is a common way to express genuine appreciation in conversation.
At this level, you understand the nuance between 'liking' and 'admiring.' Admiring implies a deeper level of respect. You might use it in phrases like 'I greatly admire your ability to stay calm under pressure.'
Admire can be used in more abstract contexts, such as admiring the logic behind an argument. It suggests an intellectual appreciation of excellence or complexity, moving beyond simple visual beauty.
Historically, admire carried a sense of 'wonder.' In literary contexts, it can still evoke that sense of astonishment. It is a sophisticated way to describe a state of profound approval or contemplative recognition.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Admire is a verb.
- It means to respect or appreciate.
- It is a positive word.
- Use it to give compliments.
When you admire someone or something, you are showing a positive feeling of respect, approval, or appreciation. It is a warm, glowing emotion that suggests you see value, beauty, or skill in the subject.
Think of it as a mix of liking something and holding it in high regard. Whether it is a person's hard work or a beautiful view, admiring means you are taking a moment to recognize that quality.
The word admire comes from the Latin word admirari, which means 'to wonder at' or 'to be astonished by.' It combines ad- (to) and mirari (to wonder).
Historically, it was linked to the feeling of surprise or awe. Over time, the meaning shifted from just being 'surprised' to specifically feeling 'respect' or 'appreciation' for something excellent.
You use admire in both professional and casual settings. In professional life, you might admire a colleague's work ethic. In casual life, you might admire a friend's new car.
It is a versatile verb that works well when you want to pay a genuine compliment. It is often paired with adverbs like greatly or sincerely to add emphasis.
While 'admire' is a direct verb, it appears in phrases like 'I admire your courage' which is a common way to show support. Another is 'admire from afar', meaning you like someone or something but don't get too close.
You might also hear 'admire the view' as a literal expression, or 'admire the effort' when someone tries hard but fails.
The word is a regular verb: admire, admired, admiring. The stress is on the second syllable: ad-MIRE.
It rhymes with words like fire, tire, and inspire. In IPA, it is written as /ədˈmaɪər/ in both British and American English, though the 'r' at the end is often more pronounced in American accents.
Fun Fact
It shares a root with 'miracle' (miraculum), meaning something to be wondered at.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'ad-MY-uh'
Sounds like 'ad-MY-er'
Common Errors
- Misplacing the stress
- Pronouncing it like 'ad-MEER'
- Forgetting the 'r' sound
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read
Commonly used
Natural in conversation
Easy to hear
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Transitive Verbs
I admire the view.
Adjective formation
Admire -> Admirable
Examples by Level
I admire the blue sky.
I like looking at the sky.
Verb + noun
She admires her cat.
She thinks her cat is great.
Third person singular
I admire this painting.
I think this art is beautiful.
Demonstrative pronoun
They admire the house.
They like the look of the house.
Subject + verb + object
He admires the flowers.
He thinks the flowers are pretty.
Plural noun
We admire your work.
We think your work is good.
Possessive adjective
I admire the stars.
I like the stars at night.
Plural noun
She admires the dress.
She likes the dress.
Definite article
I admire my father.
She admires his strength.
We admire their courage.
He admires the view.
I admire your honesty.
They admire the design.
She admires the singer.
I admire the effort.
I really admire your dedication.
She is someone I deeply admire.
We stood there to admire the sunset.
I admire how you handle stress.
He has much to admire in her work.
They admire the team's spirit.
I admire your sense of humor.
She admires his artistic talent.
I admire the way you solve problems.
Many people admire her for her charity work.
I admire his commitment to the cause.
It is easy to admire such craftsmanship.
I admire your ability to speak clearly.
She is widely admired in her field.
I admire the logic of your argument.
We admire their persistence.
I admire the subtle irony in his writing.
Her work is universally admired for its depth.
I admire the strategic thinking behind this plan.
He is admired for his intellectual rigor.
I admire the sheer audacity of the project.
One cannot help but admire the architecture.
I admire the nuance in her performance.
The professor is admired for his vast knowledge.
I admire the stoicism with which she faced the crisis.
His work is admired for its profound philosophical insight.
I admire the elegance of the mathematical proof.
She is admired for her unwavering moral compass.
I admire the intricate detail of the sculpture.
The author is admired for his command of language.
I admire the sheer complexity of the system.
It is a quality I have always admired in him.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"admire from afar"
to like someone without getting close
I've admired her work from afar for years.
neutral"stand back and admire"
to look at finished work with pride
Stand back and admire what you've built!
casual"I admire your guts"
I respect your bravery
I admire your guts for quitting that job.
casual"much to admire"
many good qualities
There is much to admire in this plan.
formal"hard not to admire"
it is obvious that it is good
It's hard not to admire her dedication.
neutral"beg to admire"
to ask someone to look at something
Come here and admire this sunset!
casualEasily Confused
Both start with 'ad' and are positive.
Adore is stronger and more emotional.
I admire my boss; I adore my puppy.
N/A
N/A
N/A
Sentence Patterns
Subject + admire + object
I admire her.
Subject + admire + object + for + gerund
I admire him for working hard.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
7
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
Admire is a transitive verb, it doesn't need 'to'.
Use the noun 'admiration' after 'have'.
Do not use 'at' with admire.
Use the adjective form.
Need the verb 'to be'.
Tips
Memory Palace
Imagine a wall of medals; you admire each one.
Professional Feedback
Use 'I admire your approach' to sound professional.
Compliments
Admiring someone's work is a safe, polite compliment.
Verb Pattern
Never use 'at' after admire.
Stress
Stress the second syllable: ad-MIRE.
Noun vs Verb
Don't confuse 'admire' (verb) with 'admiration' (noun).
Etymology
It comes from the same root as 'miracle'.
Journaling
Write one thing you admire about your day.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
AD-MIRE: Add more respect to what you admire.
Visual Association
A person looking up at a mountain with a smile.
Word Web
Challenge
Write down three things you admire about your best friend.
Word Origin
Latin
Original meaning: To wonder at
Cultural Context
None, generally a very positive word.
Commonly used in formal compliments and professional feedback.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Work
- I admire your dedication
- I admire your leadership
Art
- I admire the technique
- I admire the colors
Conversation Starters
"Who is someone you admire?"
"What do you admire about your home country?"
"Do you admire artists or scientists more?"
"Why do we admire heroes?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a person you admire.
Describe a piece of art you admire.
Why is it important to admire others?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, it is a verb. The noun is admiration.
You can admire the way it is cooked, but usually we use 'enjoy'.
Admire implies more respect than just liking something.
Subject + admire + object.
No, it is a compliment.
Admirable.
Yes, though it might sound like you are being vain!
Yes, especially when giving feedback.
Test Yourself
I ___ the beautiful sunset.
Admire fits the context of looking at something beautiful.
Which word means to respect someone?
Admire is the only positive option.
You should say 'I admire at the house.'
You do not use 'at' with admire.
Word
Meaning
Matching synonyms.
Standard Subject-Verb-Object order.
Score: /5
Summary
To admire is to look at something or someone with deep respect and appreciation.
- Admire is a verb.
- It means to respect or appreciate.
- It is a positive word.
- Use it to give compliments.
Memory Palace
Imagine a wall of medals; you admire each one.
Professional Feedback
Use 'I admire your approach' to sound professional.
Compliments
Admiring someone's work is a safe, polite compliment.
Verb Pattern
Never use 'at' after admire.
Example
I admire the beautiful flowers in your garden.
Related Content
Learn it in Context
This Word in Other Languages
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abanimize
C1The systematic process of neutralizing or stripping away emotional intensity from a situation to achieve a state of detached objectivity. It is primarily used to describe a mental state where complex human sentiments are reduced to manageable, clinical facts to avoid personal bias.
abhor
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abminity
C1To regard something with intense loathing or extreme disgust; to treat an object or idea as an abomination. It is used in high-level contexts to describe a profound moral or aesthetic aversion toward an action or concept.
abmotine
C1Describes a state of being emotionally detached or lacking intrinsic motivation, often characterized by a cold, clinical, or indifferent stance. It is used to denote a specific lack of movement or response to external emotional stimuli.
abominable
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abphilous
C1To consciously withdraw or distance oneself from a previous affinity, attraction, or emotional attachment. It involves a systematic effort to break a psychological bond in order to achieve a state of neutrality or objectivity.
absedhood
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abvidness
C1The quality or state of being intensely eager, enthusiastic, or consumed by a particular interest or desire. It represents a level of dedication and spirited engagement that often goes beyond standard enthusiasm, typical of scholars, collectors, or hobbyists.
adacrty
C1Alacrity refers to a cheerful readiness, promptness, or willingness to do something. It describes not only the speed of an action but also the positive and enthusiastic attitude of the person performing it.
