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admirable

A2 adjective 10 min read

admirable

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips admirable in 30 Seconds

Explanation admirable in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are learning the very basics of describing things. You might already know words like 'bon' (good) or 'beau' (beautiful). 'Admirable' is a great word to add because it works just like English. It is an adjective that describes a noun. For example, if you see a very beautiful painting, you can say 'C'est admirable !' This level focuses on simple subject-verb-adjective structures. The most important thing to remember is that 'admirable' is the same for both masculine and feminine nouns. So, whether you are talking about 'un livre' (a book) or 'une fleur' (a flower), you use 'admirable'. It's an easy win for your vocabulary! You will mostly use it to express that you like something very much and that it is high quality. Think of it as a 'stronger' version of 'très bien'. When you use it, people will think your French is very polite and well-spoken. Try saying it when someone helps you: 'Votre aide est admirable.' (Your help is admirable). It shows you are learning more than just the most basic words.

At the A2 level, you are starting to talk more about people's qualities and your own opinions. 'Admirable' becomes very useful here because it allows you to describe virtues. You can use it to talk about a friend's patience or a family member's hard work. In A2, you should practice using it in the plural form. Remember to add an 's': 'Leurs efforts sont admirables' (Their efforts are admirable). You also learn that French adjectives usually come after the noun. So, you say 'un courage admirable' and not 'un admirable courage' (though the second one is possible in poetry, stick to the first one for now). You might also start using it with the word 'vraiment' (truly) to add emphasis: 'C'est vraiment admirable.' This level is about building confidence in expressing judgment. When you describe a story you read or a movie you saw, 'admirable' helps you explain that the work was not just 'fun', but actually well-made and respectable. It is a key word for moving from simple descriptions to more thoughtful evaluations of the world around you.

By the B1 level, you are expected to handle more complex social and professional situations. 'Admirable' is a perfect word for professional contexts. You might use it in a work email to praise a colleague's performance or in a discussion about social issues. At B1, you should also be aware of the adverbial form 'admirablement'. For example, 'Il a admirablement géré la situation' (He handled the situation admirably). This shows you can distinguish between describing a thing (adjective) and describing an action (adverb). You will also encounter 'admirable' in more varied sentence structures, such as 'Il est admirable que...' followed by the subjunctive (though this is more advanced, you will start to hear it). B1 learners should use 'admirable' to provide nuance. Instead of just saying a project was 'réussi' (successful), saying it was 'admirable' implies that the success was due to hard work and deserves respect. This level is where you start to understand the 'weight' of words, and 'admirable' carries a lot of positive weight without being overly informal.

At the B2 level, you are developing a more sophisticated 'voice' in French. You can use 'admirable' to discuss abstract concepts like 'la ténacité' (tenacity) or 'la solidarité' (solidarity). You should be comfortable placing 'admirable' before the noun for stylistic effect, which is common in formal writing or persuasive speeches: 'Cette admirable initiative a changé la ville.' (This admirable initiative changed the city). At B2, you also compare 'admirable' with its synonyms like 'estimable' or 'louable' to choose the exact right word for the situation. You might use it in debates to acknowledge an opponent's point: 'C'est un argument admirable, mais...' (It's an admirable argument, but...). This shows a high level of linguistic tact. You are also expected to recognize the word in literary texts or high-level journalism where it might be used with a touch of irony or in very specific technical descriptions. Your understanding of the word now includes its cultural baggage—knowing that it's a word of 'high' register that confers a specific status on whatever it describes.

At the C1 level, your use of 'admirable' should be effortless and precise. You understand the historical and literary depth of the word. You can use it to analyze classic French literature, noting how authors like Flaubert or Stendhal might use the word to characterize their protagonists. You are also aware of the 'impersonal' constructions like 'Il y a quelque chose d'admirable dans sa démarche' (There is something admirable in his approach). C1 learners can use 'admirable' to create complex rhetorical structures. You might pair it with 'certes' (certainly) to create a balanced argument: 'Certes, son ambition est admirable, toutefois elle l'aveugle parfois.' (Certainly, his ambition is admirable; however, it sometimes blinds him). You also have a fine-tuned ear for the word's pronunciation, including the subtle liaison if it were to precede a vowel (though rare for this specific word). You can use the word to describe not just people and things, but also complex systems, theories, or mathematical proofs, highlighting their elegance and internal logic.

At the C2 level, you possess a near-native mastery of 'admirable'. You can use it in all its nuances, including archaic or highly specialized contexts. You might use it in a philosophical treatise or a high-stakes diplomatic negotiation where every word choice matters. You understand that 'admirable' can sometimes carry a sense of 'astonishment' that harks back to its Latin roots (*admirari*), and you might use it in a way that plays on this double meaning. You are capable of using the word in long, complex 'period' sentences typical of high-level French oratory. Your vocabulary is so broad that you only choose 'admirable' when it is the absolutely perfect fit, distinguishing it from 'sublime', 'transcendant', or 'inégalable'. You can also use the word in a meta-linguistic way, discussing its role in the French language. For a C2 speaker, 'admirable' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a tool for precision, a mark of culture, and a way to navigate the highest levels of French intellectual and social life with grace and accuracy.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

admirable in 30 Seconds

Admirable is a versatile French adjective used to express deep respect and approval for people, actions, or objects.
It is gender-neutral (same for masculine and feminine) and only changes by adding an 's' for plural nouns.
It carries a more formal and dignified tone than casual words like 'génial' or 'super', making it ideal for professional or literary contexts.
Commonly used to describe moral virtues like courage and patience, as well as aesthetic or technical excellence in art and work.

The French word admirable is a high-frequency adjective that serves as a cornerstone for expressing deep respect, approval, and aesthetic appreciation. At its core, it describes something or someone that is worthy of being admired—not just for superficial beauty, but for intrinsic qualities, moral strength, or exceptional skill. Unlike some adjectives that lose their potency through over-reliance in casual slang, admirable maintains a level of dignity and formal weight, making it a favorite in literature, journalism, and professional evaluations.

The Semantic Core: In the French linguistic tradition, to describe something as admirable is to suggest it possesses a quality that 'commands' attention and respect. It is derived from the verb admirer, which historically meant to wonder at or to be surprised by. Today, it translates directly to the English 'admirable', but often carries a slightly more elegant or literary connotation depending on the context.
Moral vs. Aesthetic Usage: You will encounter this word in two primary domains. First, the moral domain: describing virtues such as courage, patience, or selflessness (e.g., un courage admirable). Second, the aesthetic or technical domain: describing a work of art, a performance, or a scientific achievement that reaches a pinnacle of excellence (e.g., une œuvre admirable).

"Sa patience face à l'adversité est tout simplement admirable."

Translation: Her patience in the face of adversity is simply admirable.

When people use this word, they are often making a value judgment that transcends personal preference. To say a meal is 'bon' (good) is subjective; to say a chef's technique is 'admirable' implies an objective standard of mastery has been met. This distinction is crucial for learners who wish to sound more precise in their French. In social settings, using admirable instead of 'super' or 'cool' instantly elevates the register of your conversation, signaling a more sophisticated command of the language.

"L'architecture de cette cathédrale est admirable de précision."

Translation: The architecture of this cathedral is admirable in its precision.

Frequency and Context: While common, it is not a 'filler' word. It appears frequently in written reviews, formal speeches, and deep interpersonal conversations. It is especially prevalent in the 19th-century French literature (think Victor Hugo or Balzac) where characters' virtues are often described with this adjective.

"Il a fait un travail admirable sur ce projet complexe."

Furthermore, the word is gender-neutral in its form. Whether you are describing a man (un homme admirable) or a woman (une femme admirable), the spelling remains the same. This makes it an easy yet powerful tool for A2 learners to expand their descriptive vocabulary without worrying about complex gender agreements, though one must still remember to pluralize it (des efforts admirables).

Using admirable correctly involves understanding its placement and its relationship with the nouns it modifies. In French, most adjectives follow the noun, and admirable is no exception. However, because it expresses a subjective appreciation or a strong emotional reaction, it can occasionally be placed before the noun for stylistic emphasis, though this is much more common in literary contexts than in everyday speech.

Standard Placement: The most natural position is after the noun. This allows the speaker to first identify the object or person and then qualify them. For example: C'est un geste admirable (It is an admirable gesture). Here, the focus is on the gesture itself, followed by the evaluation of its quality.
Pluralization Rules: While the word does not change for gender, it must agree in number. You simply add an 's' for plural nouns. Example: Ses résultats sont admirables (His/Her results are admirable). Note that the pronunciation does not change in the plural form.

"Elle possède une admirable capacité d'écoute."

Note: Here, the adjective is placed before the noun for emphasis on the quality.

When constructing sentences with admirable, it is often paired with the verb être (to be) to make a direct statement about a subject. For instance, Votre dévouement est admirable (Your dedication is admirable). It can also be modified by adverbs to intensify the meaning, such as vraiment (truly), tout à fait (completely), or particulièrement (particularly).

Comparison and Superlatives: To compare two things, use plus admirable que (more admirable than) or moins admirable que (less admirable than). For the superlative, use le/la plus admirable (the most admirable). Example: C'est la décision la plus admirable qu'il ait prise (It is the most admirable decision he has made).

"Ces paysages sont admirables en automne."

In professional writing, admirable is often used in letters of recommendation or performance reviews. You might write: Monsieur Dupont a fait preuve d'une rigueur admirable (Mr. Dupont showed an admirable rigor). This usage highlights the word's ability to convey professional respect and high standards.

"Il est admirable de voir autant de solidarité."

Example of the impersonal 'Il est... de...' structure.

You might wonder if people actually say admirable in daily life or if it is confined to dusty old books. The truth is, while it isn't as common as 'super' or 'génial' in a Parisian café, it has very specific and active 'habitats' in modern French society. Understanding these contexts will help you know when to deploy it for maximum impact.

In the Arts and Culture: If you watch a French documentary about art or listen to a radio show like 'France Culture', you will hear admirable frequently. Critics use it to describe a specific technique: 'un coup de pinceau admirable' (an admirable brushstroke) or 'une maîtrise admirable de la langue' (an admirable mastery of the language). It signals a high-level critique.
Formal Ceremonies and Speeches: During weddings, funerals, or award ceremonies (like the Césars or the Molières), speakers often use admirable to pay tribute to someone's character. 'Son parcours est admirable' (His/Her career path is admirable) is a standard phrase used to honor a lifetime of work.

"Le présentateur a salué le courage admirable des sauveteurs."

Translation: The presenter hailed the rescuers' admirable courage.

In the news, especially in 'Le Monde' or 'Le Figaro', admirable is used to describe diplomatic efforts, scientific breakthroughs, or social movements. It carries a sense of gravitas that 'bon' or 'bien' simply cannot provide. When a journalist writes about an 'admirable solidarité', they are telling the reader that this solidarity is noteworthy on a national or historical level.

"Une performance admirable qui a ému tout le public."

In the Classroom: Teachers in France often use this word in written feedback on essays. If a student produces a particularly insightful analysis, the teacher might write 'Analyse admirable' in the margin. It is one of the highest forms of praise a student can receive.

Finally, you will hear it in the world of sports, but usually in a 'gentlemanly' context. A tennis commentator might describe a player's fair play or a particularly difficult shot as admirable. It suggests that the action was not just effective, but also beautiful or ethically sound.

"Sa ténacité sur le court est admirable."

Even though admirable is a cognate (it looks like the English word), there are several pitfalls that English speakers often fall into when using it in French. These mistakes range from grammatical errors to subtle misuses of tone.

Mistake 1: Over-agreement: Many learners try to add an extra 'e' to make it feminine (e.g., *admirablée*). Remember: adjectives ending in '-e' in their base form do not change for the feminine. Un homme admirable and une femme admirable are both correct. Adding an extra 'e' is a common spelling error.
Mistake 2: Confusing Adjective and Adverb: In English, we might say 'He played admirable.' (informally). In French, you cannot use admirable to modify a verb. You must use the adverb admirablement. Saying 'Il a joué admirable' is grammatically incorrect; it must be 'Il a joué de manière admirable' or 'Il a joué admirablement'.

"Faux: Elle chante admirable. Correct: Elle chante admirablement."

Another subtle mistake is the misuse of intensity. In English, 'admirable' can sometimes be a 'faint praise' (e.g., 'That was an admirable effort,' meaning it wasn't great but they tried). In French, admirable is almost always a strong, positive endorsement. Using it to describe something mediocre might be interpreted as genuine praise, leading to confusion, or it might sound sarcastic.

Mistake 3: Preposition Errors: When you want to say someone is admirable *for* something, the preposition choice can be tricky. Usually, we use par or pour. Example: 'Il est admirable par son courage' (He is admirable by/for his courage). Avoid using 'à' in this context.

"C'est un choix admirable, mais difficile à tenir."

Finally, don't confuse admirable with merveilleux. While they are similar, merveilleux implies something magical or wonderful (full of 'merveilles'), whereas admirable implies something that deserves 'admiration' based on merit or quality. You admire a hero; you find a fairy tale wonderful.

To truly master the use of admirable, you should know its 'neighbors' in the French language. Depending on the nuance you want to convey, one of these alternatives might be more appropriate.

Remarquable: This is perhaps the closest synonym. It means 'remarkable'. While admirable focuses on the worthiness of the object, remarquable focuses on the fact that it stands out from the crowd. Comparison: 'Une patience admirable' (virtuous) vs. 'Une patience remarquable' (unusual/noteworthy).
Estimable: This word is slightly 'cooler' than admirable. It means 'worthy of esteem'. It is often used in professional or social contexts where you respect someone's character but aren't necessarily 'in awe' of them. It's a very polite, solid adjective.
Louable: Meaning 'praiseworthy' or 'laudable'. This is often used for efforts that might not have succeeded but were still noble. Example: 'Une intention louable' (A praiseworthy intention).

"Son dévouement est exemplaire pour toute l'équipe."

'Exemplaire' (exemplary) is a strong alternative for moral qualities.

In more informal settings, you might hear épatant. This is a charming, slightly old-fashioned word (like 'splendid' or 'smashing' in English) that conveys a sense of being impressed. 'C'est épatant !' is more conversational than 'C'est admirable !'.

Splendide: Focuses purely on aesthetic beauty or brilliance. While a person's character can be admirable, it's rarely called splendide (which is reserved for sunsets, jewelry, or performances).

"C'est une initiative digne d'éloges."

'Digne d'éloges' is a more formal phrase meaning 'worthy of praise'.

By varying these terms, you avoid repetition and show that you understand the specific 'flavor' of the excellence you are describing. If you are writing a formal letter, stick to admirable or remarquable. If you are chatting with friends about a great movie, génial or incroyable might be more natural.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root 'mir-' is the same one found in 'mirror' and 'mirage', all relating to the act of looking or seeing something remarkable.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ad.mi.ʁabl/

US /æd.mi.ʁæbl/

The stress in French is always on the last syllable: ad-mi-RABLE.

Rhymes With

Table Stable Capable Durable Aimable Véritable Inévitable Rentable

Common Errors

Stressing the first syllable (AD-mirable) like in English.
Pronouncing the final 'e' (it should be silent).
Using an English 'r' instead of the French uvular 'r'.
Pronouncing the 'l' too heavily; it should be light.
Confusing the 'mi' sound with 'my'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Easy to recognize because it is a cognate.

Writing 2/5

Easy, but remember it doesn't change for gender.

Speaking 2/5

Requires correct French 'R' and stress on the last syllable.

Listening 1/5

Clear and distinct pronunciation in most contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Bon Beau Grand Bien Aimer

Learn Next

Remarquable Magnifique Dévouement Courageux Maîtrise

Advanced

Sublime Inégalable Digne d'éloges Estimable Exemplaire

Grammar to Know

Adjectives ending in -e do not change for gender.

Un homme admirable / Une femme admirable.

Plural adjectives add -s.

Des efforts admirables.

Placement of adjectives (usually after the noun).

Un geste admirable.

Adverbs formed with -ment.

Admirable + ment = Admirablement.

Comparative and Superlative structures.

Plus admirable que / Le plus admirable.

Examples by Level

C'est un livre admirable.

It is an admirable book.

The adjective follows the noun 'livre'.

Votre jardin est admirable.

Your garden is admirable.

'Est' is the verb 'être'.

Elle est admirable.

She is admirable.

Admirable does not change for feminine.

C'est une idée admirable.

It's an admirable idea.

Idea is feminine, but the adjective stays the same.

Le gâteau est admirable !

The cake is admirable!

Used here for aesthetic quality.

Quel travail admirable !

What admirable work!

'Quel' adds emphasis.

Ils sont admirables.

They are admirable.

Plural form adds an 's'.

C'est un film admirable.

It is an admirable film.

Standard A1 sentence structure.

Sa patience est vraiment admirable.

His patience is truly admirable.

'Vraiment' is an adverb of intensity.

Nous avons vu des paysages admirables.

We saw some admirable landscapes.

Plural agreement with 'paysages'.

C'est un courage admirable de sa part.

It's admirable courage on his/her part.

Use of 'de sa part' (on their part).

Elle a une voix admirable.

She has an admirable voice.

'Voix' is feminine, adjective is invariable.

Le professeur est très admirable.

The teacher is very admirable.

Used to describe moral character.

Ce sont des résultats admirables.

These are admirable results.

Plural 'ce sont' with 'admirables'.

Il a fait un choix admirable.

He made an admirable choice.

Past tense 'a fait'.

Votre dévouement pour le club est admirable.

Your dedication to the club is admirable.

Formal address 'Votre'.

Elle a géré cette crise de manière admirable.

She managed this crisis in an admirable way.

Using 'de manière' to create an adverbial phrase.

C’est une œuvre admirable de précision et de finesse.

It is a work admirable for its precision and finesse.

Using 'de' to specify the qualities.

Il est admirable de voir tant de générosité.

It is admirable to see so much generosity.

Impersonal 'Il est... de...' structure.

Les bénévoles font un travail admirable au quotidien.

The volunteers do admirable work every day.

Adjective modifying the noun 'travail'.

Sa ténacité est admirable, malgré les obstacles.

His tenacity is admirable, despite the obstacles.

'Malgré' (despite) adds complexity.

Nous admirons votre admirable sang-froid.

We admire your admirable composure.

Using the verb 'admirer' and adjective 'admirable' together.

Une telle honnêteté est vraiment admirable aujourd'hui.

Such honesty is truly admirable today.

'Une telle' (Such a...).

Il a écrit un discours admirable pour la cérémonie.

He wrote an admirable speech for the ceremony.

Formal context.

Cette admirable solidarité a permis de sauver le village.

This admirable solidarity allowed the village to be saved.

Adjective placed before the noun for emphasis.

L'auteur dresse un portrait admirable de la société rurale.

The author paints an admirable portrait of rural society.

Literary/Critical context.

Sa capacité à pardonner est tout à fait admirable.

Her capacity to forgive is quite admirable.

'Tout à fait' (completely/quite).

Des progrès admirables ont été réalisés en médecine.

Admirable progress has been made in medicine.

Passive voice 'ont été réalisés'.

Il est admirable que vous ayez gardé votre optimisme.

It is admirable that you kept your optimism.

Followed by the subjunctive 'ayez gardé'.

L'architecture de ce bâtiment est admirable de modernité.

The architecture of this building is admirable in its modernity.

'Admirable de...' indicates the source of admiration.

Elle possède une admirable maîtrise de ses émotions.

She possesses an admirable mastery of her emotions.

Sophisticated vocabulary: 'maîtrise'.

Ce film est admirable, bien que parfois un peu lent.

This film is admirable, although sometimes a bit slow.

Using 'bien que' for concession.

Il y a une rigueur admirable dans son raisonnement scientifique.

There is an admirable rigor in his scientific reasoning.

Abstract noun 'rigueur'.

C'est une admirable leçon de vie qu'il nous donne là.

It is an admirable life lesson he is giving us there.

Demonstrative 'là' for emphasis.

L'équilibre des forces dans ce tableau est admirable.

The balance of forces in this painting is admirable.

Art criticism context.

Sa modestie, malgré son succès, reste admirable.

His modesty, despite his success, remains admirable.

Appositive phrase 'malgré son succès'.

Une admirable économie de moyens caractérise son style.

An admirable economy of means characterizes his style.

Specific literary/artistic terminology.

Il est admirable de voir comment elle concilie tout.

It is admirable to see how she balances everything.

Complex 'comment' clause.

L'admirable sérénité du paysage nous a subjugués.

The admirable serenity of the landscape captivated us.

Use of the verb 'subjuguer' (to captivate).

Ce projet est admirable par son ambition et son éthique.

This project is admirable for its ambition and ethics.

Preposition 'par' to denote cause.

L'œuvre de Proust est une admirable cathédrale de mots.

Proust's work is an admirable cathedral of words.

Metaphorical usage.

Il déploie une admirable finesse d'esprit dans ses essais.

He deploys an admirable finesse of mind in his essays.

High-register phrase 'finesse d'esprit'.

L'admirable ordonnance de ce jardin à la française.

The admirable order of this French-style garden.

Noun phrase without a main verb (stylistic).

Une ténacité admirable face à l'adversité systémique.

Admirable tenacity in the face of systemic adversity.

Socio-political context.

Il est admirable, certes, mais non sans défauts.

He is admirable, certainly, but not without flaws.

Nuanced concession 'certes... mais'.

Sa prose est admirable de clarté et de concision.

His prose is admirable for its clarity and conciseness.

Describing linguistic style.

Une admirable démonstration de force tranquille.

An admirable demonstration of quiet strength.

Political idiom 'force tranquille'.

Cette structure sociale est admirable de complexité.

This social structure is admirable in its complexity.

Abstract academic usage.

Common Collocations

Courage admirable

Patience admirable

Travail admirable

Résultat admirable

Beauté admirable

Dévouement admirable

Précision admirable

Maîtrise admirable

Solidarité admirable

Sang-froid admirable

Common Phrases

Tout à fait admirable

— Completely or entirely admirable. Used for emphasis.

Votre honnêteté est tout à fait admirable.

Vraiment admirable

— Truly admirable. Very common in speech.

C'est vraiment admirable ce que tu as fait.

De manière admirable

— In an admirable way. Functions as an adverbial phrase.

Il s'est comporté de manière admirable.

Rien d'admirable

— Nothing admirable. Used to dismiss something.

Il n'y a rien d'admirable dans son comportement.

C'est admirable de...

— It is admirable to... (followed by an action).

C'est admirable de voir votre passion.

Une réussite admirable

— An admirable success.

Le festival fut une réussite admirable.

D'une façon admirable

— In an admirable fashion.

Elle a chanté d'une façon admirable.

Un exemple admirable

— An admirable example.

Il est un exemple admirable pour la jeunesse.

Une ténacité admirable

— Admirable tenacity or persistence.

Elle a montré une ténacité admirable pour finir sa thèse.

Un talent admirable

— An admirable talent.

Ce jeune peintre a un talent admirable.

Often Confused With

admirable vs Adorable

Adorable means 'cute' or 'lovely', usually for children or pets. Admirable means 'worthy of respect'.

admirable vs Merveilleux

Merveilleux implies magic or wonder. Admirable implies merit and high quality.

admirable vs Estimable

Estimable is a lower level of praise, meaning 'decent' or 'respectable'.

Idioms & Expressions

"Admirable de [qualité]"

— To be admirable specifically because of a certain quality.

Ce film est admirable de simplicité.

Literary

"L'admirable [Nom]"

— Used as a title or fixed epithet in literature.

L'admirable Crichton (though English in origin, the structure exists).

Literary

"Faire l'admirable"

— To act as if one is admirable or to seek admiration (rare/archaic).

Il fait l'admirable devant ses amis.

Archaic

"Digne d'une admiration admirable"

— A tautological way to emphasize extreme worth (rare).

Son exploit est digne d'une admiration admirable.

Rhetorical

"Admirable comme tout"

— Admirable as can be (very common structure with 'comme tout').

Cet enfant est admirable comme tout.

Informal

"Pas très admirable"

— A polite way to say something is bad or shameful.

Sa réaction n'était pas très admirable.

Neutral

"Un spectacle admirable"

— Often used to describe nature's beauty.

Le coucher de soleil offrait un spectacle admirable.

Neutral

"Rendre admirable"

— To make something look or become admirable.

L'éclairage rendait la scène admirable.

Neutral

"Trouver admirable"

— To find (something) admirable.

Je trouve votre dévouement admirable.

Neutral

"Rien de moins qu'admirable"

— Nothing less than admirable.

Sa performance était rien de moins qu'admirable.

Formal

Easily Confused

admirable vs Admiratif

Both come from 'admirer'.

Admirable describes the thing being admired; admiratif describes the person who is doing the admiring.

Il a un regard admiratif devant cette œuvre admirable.

admirable vs Étonnant

Both can mean surprising.

Étonnant is just 'surprising' (could be good or bad). Admirable is always positive and respectful.

C'est un résultat étonnant, mais pas forcément admirable.

admirable vs Génial

Both express high approval.

Génial is very informal ('cool/great'). Admirable is formal and serious.

Ton nouveau vélo est génial ! Son dévouement est admirable.

admirable vs Magnifique

Both describe beauty.

Magnifique is more about visual splendor. Admirable is more about quality or virtue.

Un coucher de soleil magnifique. Un courage admirable.

admirable vs Remarquable

They are very close synonyms.

Remarquable emphasizes that something is 'noteworthy' or 'stands out'. Admirable emphasizes 'worth'.

Une erreur remarquable (notable error) vs Une action admirable.

Sentence Patterns

C'est un/une [Nom] admirable.

C'est une idée admirable.

Son/Sa [Qualité] est admirable.

Sa patience est admirable.

Il a agi de manière admirable.

Il est admirable de [Verbe].

Il est admirable de voir cela.

[Nom] est admirable de [Qualité].

Ce livre est admirable de clarté.

Une telle [Qualité] est admirable.

Une telle honnêteté est admirable.

Il y a quelque chose d'admirable dans [Nom].

Il y a quelque chose d'admirable dans son art.

L'admirable [Nom] de [Sujet].

L'admirable ténacité de ce peuple.

Word Family

Nouns

Admiration (f) - The act of admiring.

Admirateur (m) / Admiratrice (f) - An admirer.

Verbs

Admirer - To admire.

Adjectives

Admirable - Admirable.

Admiratif - Full of admiration (e.g., un regard admiratif).

Miracle

Mirage

Miroir

Merveille

Émerveiller

How to Use It

frequency

Common in written French and formal speech; less common in casual slang.

Common Mistakes

Une femme admirablée → Une femme admirable
Learners often try to add a feminine 'e' to adjectives that already end in 'e'. This is incorrect.
Il chante admirable. → Il chante admirablement.
You cannot use an adjective to modify a verb. You must use the adverb form.
AD-mirable (Stress on first syllable) → ad-mi-RABLE (Stress on last)
English speakers often carry over their native stress patterns. In French, stress the end.
Un admirable courage (in basic speech) → Un courage admirable
While not 'wrong', placing it before the noun in casual speech can sound a bit overly dramatic or archaic.
C'est admirable à lui. → C'est admirable de sa part.
The prepositional phrase 'de sa part' is the correct way to say 'on his/her part'.

Tips

Gender Neutrality

Don't add an extra 'e' for feminine nouns. 'Admirable' stays the same for both genders.

Elevate Your Speech

Replace 'très bien' with 'admirable' to sound more sophisticated and precise in your evaluations.

Last Syllable Stress

Always stress the 'RABLE' part of the word. French rhythm is different from English.

Placement

Keep it after the noun for a natural flow, but try placing it before for a poetic or emphatic touch.

Moral vs. Visual

Use it for character traits (courage) just as much as for visual things (art) to show a full range of vocabulary.

Professional Praise

It is a safe and effective word to use in performance reviews or professional emails.

Radio and News

Listen for this word on news stations like 'France Inter' to hear it used in high-level discussions.

Cognate Advantage

Since it's a cognate, focus your energy on using it in sentences rather than just memorizing the meaning.

Sincere Compliments

Because it's a 'strong' word, use it when you truly mean it. It conveys deep sincerity.

Adverbial Use

Remember to use 'admirablement' if you are describing an action rather than a thing.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Admirable' as 'Able to be Admired'. The 'Able' suffix in both languages makes it easy to remember the meaning.

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing on a mountain peak (excellence) while others below look up with respect (admiration).

Word Web

Admirer Respect Quality Virtue Excellent Remarquable Moral Art

Challenge

Try to find one thing every day that you can describe as 'admirable'—a friend's kindness, a well-made coffee, or your own progress in French.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'admirabilis', which comes from the verb 'admirari'. The prefix 'ad-' means 'to' or 'at', and 'mirari' means 'to wonder' or 'to marvel at'.

Original meaning: In Latin, it meant 'worthy of wonder' or 'strange/surprising'. Over time, the meaning shifted from 'surprising' to 'worthy of respect and approval'.

Indo-European > Italic > Romance > French.

Cultural Context

There are no major sensitivities, but avoid using it sarcastically as it can come across as very biting.

In English, 'admirable' can sometimes feel a bit formal or even slightly patronizing ('an admirable effort' can mean 'you tried but failed'). In French, it is almost always purely positive.

Victor Hugo often used 'admirable' to describe the resilience of the poor in 'Les Misérables'. The phrase 'L'admirable' is sometimes used to describe the Sun King's court etiquette. French critics often use the word when discussing the 'admirable' cinematography of New Wave films.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Artistic Review

Une œuvre admirable
Un style admirable
Une technique admirable
Un talent admirable

Moral Evaluation

Un courage admirable
Une patience admirable
Une honnêteté admirable
Un geste admirable

Professional Feedback

Un travail admirable
Une rigueur admirable
Une efficacité admirable
Un parcours admirable

Nature and Landscapes

Une vue admirable
Un paysage admirable
Un spectacle admirable
Une lumière admirable

Social Situations

Une solidarité admirable
Une générosité admirable
Un accueil admirable
Une politesse admirable

Conversation Starters

"Trouves-tu que le courage de ce personnage est admirable ?"

"Quel est le bâtiment le plus admirable que tu as visité ?"

"Est-ce qu'il est admirable de dire toujours la vérité ?"

"Qui est la personne la plus admirable que tu connaisses ?"

"Penses-tu que ce travail est admirable de précision ?"

Journal Prompts

Décris un moment où tu as fait preuve d'une patience admirable.

Parle d'une œuvre d'art que tu trouves admirable et explique pourquoi.

Pourquoi est-il important d'avoir des modèles admirables dans la vie ?

Décris un paysage admirable que tu as vu lors de tes dernières vacances.

En quoi le dévouement des médecins est-il admirable selon toi ?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'admirable' is invariable for gender because it already ends in an 'e'. You use it for both masculine and feminine nouns. Example: 'un courage admirable' and 'une patience admirable'.

Yes, it is more formal than words like 'super' or 'génial'. It is frequently used in literature, journalism, and professional settings to show high respect.

The adverb form is 'admirablement'. You can also use the phrase 'de manière admirable' or 'd'une façon admirable'.

Absolutely! It is often used to describe someone's character, virtues, or achievements. 'C'est une personne admirable' is a very high compliment.

The plural is 'admirables'. You just add an 's' at the end. The pronunciation remains the same. Example: 'des efforts admirables'.

It comes from the Latin 'admirabilis', which means 'worthy of wonder'. It shares the same root as 'mirror' and 'miracle'.

Yes, it can describe works of art, buildings, books, or any object that shows exceptional quality or beauty. 'Une architecture admirable'.

No, it is a 'vrai ami' (true friend). It looks like the English word and has the same meaning, which makes it very easy for English speakers to learn.

It is the French uvular 'r', produced at the back of the throat. It sounds a bit like you are clearing your throat gently.

It is common in serious or thoughtful conversations, but in casual everyday slang, people might use shorter, more informal words.