adoré
Someone or something that is loved very much.
Explanation at your level:
When you say you adoré someone, it means you love them very much. It is a happy word. You use it for family or friends. It is like saying 'I love you so much!'
The word adoré is used to describe someone you care about deeply. It is more than just liking them. You can say 'The puppy is adored by the children.' It is a very sweet and kind word to use.
Using adoré shows that you have a strong emotional connection to something. It is common in romantic contexts or when talking about people we admire. It suggests that the person is special and treated with a lot of kindness.
Adoré is an expressive term that conveys deep admiration or affection. While 'love' is a general term, 'adoré' carries a nuance of reverence or being cherished. It is often used in descriptive writing to highlight the importance of a relationship.
In advanced usage, adoré functions as a descriptor of intense devotion. It is frequently employed in literary contexts to denote a character's profound attachment to another. It implies a sense of idealization, where the object of affection is held in high esteem, sometimes bordering on the sacred.
At the mastery level, adoré evokes the etymological roots of 'worship' and 'veneration.' It is used to describe a state of being where the subject is not merely loved, but is the focus of one's entire emotional life. In high-register prose, it suggests a timeless, almost transcendent bond that defies simple explanation, reflecting a cultural history of romantic and spiritual devotion.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Adored means loved intensely.
- It is a very positive adjective.
- It comes from the French word 'adorer'.
- Use it for people, pets, or cherished things.
When you say someone is adoré, you are describing a level of affection that is truly special. It isn't just about liking something; it is about feeling a deep, warm glow of devotion toward it.
Think of the feeling you have for your favorite pet or a cherished family member. That intense, positive emotion is exactly what this word captures. It is a beautiful way to express that something is not just liked, but treasured.
In everyday life, we use this to show that a person or thing holds a very high place in our hearts. It implies a sense of warmth and admiration that makes the object of our affection feel truly valued and seen.
The word adoré comes directly from the French language, specifically the past participle of the verb adorer. Its roots trace back even further to the Latin word adorare, which means to worship or pray to.
Historically, the word was deeply connected to religious contexts, implying a sense of bowing down or showing reverence to a deity. Over centuries, the meaning shifted from strictly spiritual worship to the more secular, emotional affection we use today.
It is fascinating how language evolves! While it started as a formal act of reverence in ancient times, it has softened into a romantic and friendly term that we use to describe the people and things that make our lives brighter.
You will often hear this word used in romantic or highly sentimental contexts. It is a stronger word than 'liked' or 'loved,' so it carries a lot of emotional weight when you use it.
Commonly, you might hear people say someone is 'an adoré figure' or 'the adoré child of the family.' It is frequently used in literature and formal letters to express deep, sincere feelings of attachment.
Because it is quite expressive, it is best saved for moments when you really want to emphasize your feelings. Using it for simple things, like a sandwich, might sound a bit over-the-top, but it is perfect for describing the people who mean the world to you.
1. To be the apple of one's eye: Used to describe someone who is adored above all others. Example: 'She is the apple of her grandfather's eye.'
2. To hold dear: To cherish something deeply. Example: 'I hold these memories dear.'
3. To worship the ground someone walks on: To adore someone so much you think they are perfect. Example: 'He worships the ground she walks on.'
4. To be smitten: To be suddenly and intensely attracted to someone. Example: 'He was completely smitten from the first day.'
5. To have a soft spot for: To have a special, tender feeling for someone. Example: 'I have a soft spot for my old childhood home.'
In English, adoré is typically used as a predicate adjective. It follows the verb 'to be' (e.g., 'She is adored'). The IPA pronunciation is /əˈdɔːreɪ/ in British English and /əˈdɔːreɪ/ in American English.
The stress is placed on the second syllable, which gives it a rhythmic, flowing sound. It rhymes with words like 'café,' 'ballet,' and 'sauté,' which reflects its French heritage.
Since it is an adjective, it does not have a plural form. When using it, ensure you match it with the correct auxiliary verb to maintain the proper tense of your sentence, such as 'was adored' for the past or 'will be adored' for the future.
Fun Fact
It originally meant to bring one's hand to the mouth in a gesture of worship.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'uh-DOR-ay'
Sounds like 'uh-DOR-ay'
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the 'e' at the end as a silent letter
- Putting stress on the first syllable
- Confusing the vowel sound with 'o'
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read
Easy to use
Easy to say
Easy to hear
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Passive Voice
He is adored.
Adjective Usage
An adored friend.
Verb Tenses
She was adored.
Examples by Level
I adore my cat.
I love my cat very much.
Subject + verb + object.
She is adored.
Everyone loves her.
Passive voice.
He is an adored friend.
A friend who is loved.
Adjective usage.
We adore the park.
We love the park.
Present tense.
They adore music.
They love music.
Simple verb.
I adore this song.
I love this song.
Determiner usage.
The baby is adored.
The baby is loved.
Passive construction.
Everyone adores him.
Everyone loves him.
Third person singular.
She is an adored sister.
The adored teacher retired.
They are adored by all.
I adore your new dress.
He is truly adored.
The adored dog played.
We adore summer days.
She is an adored icon.
The adored author signed books.
Their adored home was cozy.
He felt adored by his peers.
She is an adored member of the team.
The adored garden was full of roses.
We felt adored during our visit.
The adored puppy slept soundly.
She remains an adored figure.
The adored queen was greeted warmly.
He was an adored mentor to many.
The adored painting hung in the hall.
She was adored for her kindness.
An adored tradition in the town.
The adored hero returned home.
They lived an adored lifestyle.
She is an adored public speaker.
The adored landscape inspired poets.
He was an adored architect of change.
The adored relic was kept safe.
She was adored for her intellect.
An adored piece of classical music.
The adored leader spoke softly.
They shared an adored secret.
He was an adored voice in the choir.
The adored masterpiece defined the era.
She was an adored patron of the arts.
The adored legend lived on forever.
An adored ritual of the ancient tribe.
He was an adored luminary in science.
The adored philosophy gained followers.
She was an adored muse to the artist.
The adored memory never faded.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"The apple of one's eye"
Someone cherished above others
She is the apple of his eye.
neutral"Hold dear"
To value something highly
I hold your advice dear.
formal"Worship the ground"
To adore someone intensely
He worships the ground she walks on.
casual"Soft spot"
A feeling of affection
I have a soft spot for kittens.
casual"Close to one's heart"
Something very important
This project is close to my heart.
neutral"Love to bits"
To adore someone completely
I love my new puppy to bits.
casualEasily Confused
Sounds similar
Adorned means decorated
The room was adorned with flowers.
Same root
Adorable means cute
The puppy is adorable.
Past tense verb vs adj
Adored as verb vs adjective
He adored her (verb) vs She is adored (adj).
Noun form
Adoration is the feeling
He looked at her with adoration.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + is + adored + by + agent
She is adored by her family.
Subject + was + adored + for + noun
He was adored for his kindness.
Adored + noun + verb + adjective
The adored dog looked happy.
It + is + an + adored + noun
It is an adored tradition.
Subject + remains + an + adored + noun
She remains an adored icon.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
7
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
Adored implies intense emotion.
The French accent is not used in English.
Adoré is the adjective form.
Adored is too emotional.
They sound similar but mean different things.
Tips
Memory Palace
Imagine a door to your heart.
Native Speakers
Use it for people you truly love.
Cultural Insight
It reflects deep devotion.
Grammar Shortcut
Use 'is' or 'was' before it.
Say It Right
Rhymes with ballet.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't use it for small things.
Did You Know?
It comes from Latin.
Study Smart
Use it in a sentence today.
Writing Tip
Use it to add emotion.
Speaking Tip
Say it with warmth.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Adore sounds like 'a door'—you open the door to your heart for them.
Visual Association
A heart glowing with light.
Word Web
Challenge
Use the word 'adored' to describe a family member today.
Word Origin
French
Original meaning: To pray to or worship
Cultural Context
None, generally positive.
Commonly used in romantic contexts and family settings.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At home
- My adored family
- An adored pet
- An adored home
In literature
- The adored hero
- An adored memory
- An adored figure
In relationships
- Deeply adored
- Universally adored
- Truly adored
At school
- An adored teacher
- An adored subject
- An adored friend
Conversation Starters
"Who is someone you have always adored?"
"What is an adored tradition in your family?"
"Why do you think some people are universally adored?"
"Can you describe an adored pet you have had?"
"Is it better to be adored or respected?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a person you adore and why.
Describe an adored place from your childhood.
What makes a person feel adored?
How does it feel to be adored by others?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, it can be for pets, places, or things you love.
Yes, it means people love you.
No, it is much stronger.
It can be used in both formal and casual settings.
Only if you really love it!
No, it is very positive.
A-D-O-R-E-D.
Adore is the verb; adored is the adjective.
Test Yourself
The baby is ___ by everyone.
Adored fits the context of deep love.
Which word means to love intensely?
Adore is the correct definition.
Adored is a negative word.
It is a very positive word.
Word
Meaning
Matching synonyms and antonyms.
Correct passive structure.
She was an ___ figure in the community.
Adored fits the positive context.
What is the adverb form?
Adoringly is the adverb.
Adored can be used to describe a cold, empty room.
It describes affection.
Correct adjective placement.
He was an ___ of the arts.
Admirer is the noun for a person.
Score: /10
Summary
To be adored is to be held in the highest, most loving regard.
- Adored means loved intensely.
- It is a very positive adjective.
- It comes from the French word 'adorer'.
- Use it for people, pets, or cherished things.
Memory Palace
Imagine a door to your heart.
Native Speakers
Use it for people you truly love.
Cultural Insight
It reflects deep devotion.
Grammar Shortcut
Use 'is' or 'was' before it.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More family words
abandonner
A2To give up (something); to leave (a person or thing) without intending to return.
accompagner
A2To go somewhere with someone as a companion.
accouchement
A2Childbirth/delivery; the act of giving birth.
à charge
B2Dependent (referring to a family member financially supported).
à deux
A2As a pair, two people; together as two.
ado
A2teenager (short for adolescent)
adolescence
A2Adolescence; the transitional period from childhood to adulthood.
adolescente
A2A young person who is developing from a child into an adult (female).
à domicile
A2at home
adoptant
B2A person who adopts a child; adopter.