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l'admiration

B1 noun 10 min read

l'admiration

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips l'admiration in 30 Seconds

Explanation l'admiration in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just beginning to express feelings. 'L'admiration' might be a bit advanced, but you can understand it as a very strong 'like'. At this stage, you focus on the core meaning: liking someone because they are good at something. You might see it in simple sentences like 'J'ai de l'admiration pour mon professeur'. It is important to recognize that the 'l'' stands for 'la', making the word feminine. You learn it alongside words for family and people you know. Your goal at A1 is simply to recognize the word and know it relates to positive feelings toward a person's skill or personality. You might not use the noun often, preferring the verb 'admirer' (to admire), which is easier to conjugate in the present tense: 'J'admire mon père'. Understanding the noun helps you build a foundation for more complex emotional descriptions later on.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'l'admiration' in basic descriptions of people you look up to. You begin to understand the structure 'avoir de l'admiration pour'. This is a step up from just 'aimer'. You might use it in a short paragraph about a famous person or a role model. You also learn that it is a feminine noun, so you can say 'une grande admiration'. You start to see the word in simple texts, like short biographies or social media posts. You are learning to distinguish between 'aimer' (to like/love) and 'admirer' (to admire for a specific quality). At this level, you can also use simple adjectives with it, like 'sincère' or 'totale'. You are building the ability to express not just what you feel, but why you feel it, using 'parce que' (because) to explain the source of your admiration.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'l'admiration' in a variety of contexts, both spoken and written. You understand the nuances of the word and can use it with more sophisticated verbs like 'éprouver' or 'susciter'. You can talk about your admiration for abstract things like 'le courage', 'la détermination', or 'le talent'. You are also familiar with the expression 'être en admiration devant', which allows you to describe your reaction to art or nature. At this level, you can participate in discussions about role models and explain the impact someone's work has on you. You are aware of the common prepositions and avoid the mistake of using 'de' instead of 'pour' when identifying the object of your admiration. You can also use the word in the context of professional life to describe a mentor.

At the B2 level, you use 'l'admiration' with precision and stylistic flair. You can distinguish it from synonyms like 'estime', 'considération', or 'émerveillement'. You are able to use it in formal arguments, perhaps discussing whether admiration is necessary for a healthy society or how it differs from blind hero-worship. You understand idiomatic uses and can use the word in complex sentence structures, such as relative clauses: 'C'est une admiration que je porte en moi depuis l'enfance'. Your vocabulary around this concept is expanding to include related adjectives like 'admiratif' and 'admirable'. You can write a detailed critique of a film or book, using 'l'admiration' to describe the audience's reaction. You are also sensitive to the register, knowing when to use 'vouer une admiration' for a more formal or dramatic effect.

At the C1 level, you have a deep, nuanced understanding of 'l'admiration'. You can explore its philosophical and psychological dimensions in academic or professional writing. You might discuss the 'cartésien' view of admiration as the first passion. You use the word in complex rhetorical structures and are aware of its historical connotations of surprise and wonder. You can use literary phrases like 'tomber en admiration' or 'forcer l'admiration' naturally. Your use of the word is sophisticated, often paired with nuanced adjectives like 'indicible', 'ineffable', or 'ambivalente'. You can analyze the role of admiration in social hierarchies and power dynamics. In speech, you use the word to convey subtle shades of meaning, and you are fully aware of the prosody and liaison required for perfect pronunciation.

At the C2 level, 'l'admiration' is a tool you use with the mastery of a native speaker. You can use it in any context, from high-level literary analysis to nuanced diplomatic communication. You are aware of the rarest collocations and can play with the word's meaning for irony or emphasis. You can write eloquent tributes or scathing critiques where the presence or absence of 'l'admiration' is used to powerful effect. You understand the word's place in the history of the French language and can appreciate its use in 17th-century classical theater versus modern journalism. You can navigate the most complex grammatical structures involving the word without hesitation. Your command of the language allows you to use 'l'admiration' to express the most delicate and profound human experiences with absolute clarity and beauty.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

l'admiration in 30 Seconds

L'admiration is a feminine French noun meaning respect and wonder.
It is commonly used with the preposition 'pour' (admiration pour quelqu'un).
It is stronger than 'aimer' and implies a recognition of excellence.
Commonly paired with verbs like 'éprouver', 'susciter', and 'vouer'.

L'admiration is a profound French noun that encapsulates the feeling of respect, wonder, and warm approval toward someone or something. While its English cognate 'admiration' is very similar, the French term often carries a slightly more aesthetic or intellectual weight, frequently used in the context of the arts, moral character, and extraordinary achievements. It is a sentiment that transcends simple liking; it involves an acknowledgment of excellence. When you feel admiration in a French context, you are often 'frappé' (struck) by the quality of the subject.

Emotional Depth: In French, admiration is not just a passing thought but an 'élan de l'âme' (an impulse of the soul). It suggests that the observer has taken the time to evaluate and appreciate the intricacies of the subject's merit.

Son dévouement pour les autres suscite une profonde l'admiration au sein de la communauté.

The word is versatile. You can admire a person's courage, a painter's technique, or even the vastness of the cosmos. In the 17th-century French classical period, 'admiration' also had a sense of 'surprise' or 'astonishment' (from the Latin *ad-mirari*), a nuance that still subtly lingers in literary contexts today where one might be 'en admiration' before a breathtaking landscape.

Social Context: Expressing admiration is a key social lubricant in French culture. It is used to validate others' efforts and is often paired with verbs like 'vouer' (to vow/dedicate) or 'éprouver' (to feel/experience).

Culturally, the French value 'la reconnaissance du talent' (recognition of talent). Whether it is a chef's culinary mastery or a politician's rhetorical skill, 'l'admiration' is the standard term for this high-level regard. It is less casual than 'j'aime' (I like) and more focused on the objective quality of the person or object being observed.

Le public est resté en admiration devant la virtuosité du jeune pianiste.

Furthermore, 'l'admiration' can be collective. A nation might feel admiration for a hero, or a generation might feel admiration for a scientific breakthrough. It is a unifying emotion that points toward shared values. In educational settings, teachers encourage 'l'admiration' for classic literature to foster a desire for excellence in students.

Philosophical Nuance: Philosophers like Descartes described admiration as the first of all passions, occurring before we even know if the object is beneficial or harmful to us.

Elle a toujours eu une grande admiration pour l'œuvre de Simone de Beauvoir.

In professional life, 'l'admiration' is often linked to 'le leadership'. A leader who inspires admiration is one who leads by example. It is a word that appears frequently in biographies, critiques, and formal speeches. Understanding this word helps you navigate the higher registers of French emotional and intellectual expression.

Il est difficile de ne pas ressentir de l'admiration face à un tel courage face à l'adversité.

Using 'l'admiration' correctly requires an understanding of its typical grammatical partners. Most commonly, it is followed by the preposition 'pour' (for). You feel admiration *pour* someone or something. Unlike some English constructions, you rarely use it without a prepositional phrase or a clear context of what is being admired.

Common Verb Pairings: Verbs like 'éprouver' (to feel), 'ressentir' (to feel), 'susciter' (to arouse/spark), and 'vouer' (to dedicate/have) are the most frequent companions of this noun.

J'éprouve une immense admiration pour votre travail acharné.

When you want to say someone is 'in admiration' of something, the phrase is 'être en admiration devant'. This suggests a physical or metaphorical stance of looking at something with awe. It is very common when talking about scenery, art, or a person's performance.

Adjective Agreement: Because 'admiration' is feminine, ensure all adjectives agree: 'une admiration sans bornes' (boundless admiration), 'une admiration mutuelle' (mutual admiration).

In more formal or literary French, you might encounter 'vouer une admiration' to someone. This implies a long-standing, almost religious level of respect. It is often used for historical figures or mentors who have deeply influenced one's life. Conversely, 'perdre son admiration' suggests a fall from grace.

Il vouait une admiration sans faille à son grand-père, un ancien résistant.

Another useful structure is the partitive article 'de l''. When you aren't quantifying the admiration but just mentioning its existence, you say 'Il y a de l'admiration dans ses yeux' (There is admiration in his eyes). This is a subtle way to describe an atmosphere or a silent look.

Negation: In negative sentences, 'de l'' becomes 'd''. 'Je n'ai pas d'admiration pour les tricheurs' (I have no admiration for cheaters).

Nous sommes restés sans voix, en pleine admiration devant le coucher du soleil.

Finally, remember that 'admiration' can be the subject of a sentence. 'L'admiration est un moteur puissant pour l'apprentissage' (Admiration is a powerful engine for learning). Here, it acts as a general concept. Whether you are writing a formal essay or speaking with friends, these patterns will ensure you sound natural and precise.

Cette découverte scientifique a forcé l'admiration de la communauté internationale.

'L'admiration' is a staple of French discourse across various media. You will hear it in news reports when a journalist describes a heroic act or a monumental artistic achievement. It is also a favorite in French cinema, where characters often express their deep feelings for one another or for a cause. In a culture that prizes intellectual and artistic merit, this word is used frequently to validate success.

In the Media: During the Olympic Games or major sporting events like the Tour de France, commentators often speak of the 'admiration' the public feels for the athletes' endurance.

Les journaux titrent sur l'admiration que suscite le courage des sauveteurs.

In literature and academic settings, the word is indispensable. French students often write essays on why a certain character or author deserves 'l'admiration'. It is part of the 'baccalauréat' vocabulary. In literary criticism, you might read about 'l'admiration mutuelle' between two famous writers like Victor Hugo and Honoré de Balzac.

In Daily Life: In a more casual setting, friends might use it to talk about someone they look up to. 'J'ai beaucoup d'admiration pour ta patience' is a common way to give a compliment.

Speeches and ceremonies are another prime location for this word. When someone receives the 'Légion d'honneur', the speech invariably mentions the 'admiration' of the nation. It is a word that conveys official and public respect. In documentaries, particularly those about nature or space, the narrator might speak of the 'admiration' we feel toward the complexity of life.

Le discours de clôture a souligné l'admiration des citoyens pour leurs institutions.

You might also hear it in the context of 'fan culture', though it is slightly more formal than 'être fan de'. A serious enthusiast of a director's work would say they have 'une grande admiration pour son style'. This elevates the fan's interest to a level of intellectual appreciation.

Artistic Critique: Museum guides often use the phrase 'tomber en admiration' to describe the effect a masterpiece has on its viewers.

Elle écoutait le récit de ses voyages avec une admiration évidente.

Even though 'l'admiration' looks like its English counterpart, learners often make several predictable errors. The first and most common is the gender. Because it starts with a vowel, the definite article 'l'' hides the gender, leading many to assume it is masculine. However, it is feminine. This matters when you add an adjective or use a pronoun to refer back to it.

Mistake 1: Gender Agreement: Incorrect: Un grand admiration. Correct: Une grande admiration. Always remember that nouns ending in '-tion' are almost always feminine in French.

C'est une admiration (not un) que je ne peux pas expliquer.

Another frequent error involves prepositions. In English, we might say 'my admiration of the artist', but in French, 'mon admiration de l'artiste' sounds like the admiration *belonging* to the artist. To express your feeling *toward* the artist, you must use 'pour'.

Mistake 2: Preposition Choice: Incorrect: Mon admiration de ce musicien. Correct: Mon admiration pour ce musicien. Use 'pour' for the object of your admiration.

A third mistake is confusing 'admiration' with 'étonnement' (surprise). While they shared a root historically, in modern French, 'admiration' is strictly positive. You wouldn't use it to describe being surprised by something negative. If a disaster is 'impressive' in its scale, you use 'effroi' (dread) or 'stupeur', not 'admiration'.

Il a regardé le tableau avec admiration (not avec surprise, if he likes it).

Finally, watch out for the verb form. Learners sometimes try to say 'je suis admiratif de' which is correct, but they might forget the 'de' or use 'pour' with the adjective. Adjective: 'admiratif de'. Noun: 'admiration pour'. Mixing these up is a common B1-level slip.

Mistake 3: Adjective vs Noun Syntax: Je suis admiratif de son courage (I am admiring of his courage) vs. J'ai de l'admiration pour son courage (I have admiration for his courage).

Nous avons beaucoup d'admiration pour votre parcours.

French has a rich vocabulary for expressing high regard. Choosing the right word depends on the intensity and the nature of the feeling. 'L'admiration' is the most general and common term, but sometimes a more specific word is needed to convey the exact nuance of your respect.

L'estime vs L'admiration: 'L'estime' is more rational and based on a judgment of value or moral character. You might 'estimer' a colleague for their reliability, but you 'admirer' a genius for their brilliance. Estime is about worth; admiration is about being impressed.

J'ai une grande estime pour son intégrité professionnelle.

'Le respect' is a foundational feeling that applies to everyone, whereas 'l'admiration' is reserved for the exceptional. You respect your elders by duty, but you admire them for their specific achievements. 'La considération' is a more formal type of respect, often used in professional or diplomatic contexts.

L'émerveillement: This is the 'wonder' or 'amazement' side of admiration. It is more emotional and often used for nature, magic, or childhood discoveries. If 'admiration' is the head and heart, 'émerveillement' is the eyes wide open.

For a more intellectual or artistic focus, consider 'la fascination'. This implies that you cannot look away; the subject has a magnetic pull on you. 'L'enthousiasme' is more active and energetic—it's the feeling you have when you want to tell everyone how great something is.

Sa fascination pour l'astronomie a commencé dès son plus jeune âge.

Vénération: This is the highest level of admiration, often bordering on the sacred. It is used for saints, great historical leaders, or icons.

Il y avait un mélange de respect et de crainte dans son attitude.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In the 17th century, French philosophers like Descartes used 'admiration' to mean a neutral state of surprise before the brain decides if something is good or bad. Today, it is almost exclusively positive.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /l‿ad.mi.ʁa.sjɔ̃/

US /l‿æd.mi.ʁa.sjɔ̃/

The stress in French is always on the final syllable of the word or rhythmic group: 'ad-mi-ra-SJON'.

Rhymes With

passion émotion dévotion nation création solution action vision

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 't' in '-tion' like a 't' (it should be an 's' sound).
Forgetting the nasal sound at the end and pronouncing it like 'shon'.
Not eliding the 'l'' properly with the 'a'.
Using an English 'r' instead of the French uvular 'r'.
Stress on the first syllable instead of the last.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to the English cognate.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct gender agreement and preposition choice.

Speaking 3/5

The nasal 'on' and the 'l'' elision can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation in most contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

aimer beau grand le respect regarder

Learn Next

admiratif susciter éprouver le mérite l'excellence

Advanced

la vénération l'émerveillement la considération l'estime l'apothéose

Grammar to Know

Nouns ending in '-tion' are feminine.

L'admiration est belle (not beau).

The definite article elides before a vowel.

La + admiration = l'admiration.

Possessive adjectives 'mon/ton/son' are used before feminine nouns starting with a vowel.

Mon admiration (not ma admiration).

Partitive articles with abstract nouns.

Il a de l'admiration (some admiration).

Prepositional usage with 'pour'.

Admiration pour (not de) quelqu'un.

Examples by Level

J'ai de l'admiration pour ma mère.

I have admiration for my mother.

Uses the partitive 'de l'' before the feminine noun.

C'est une grande admiration.

It is a great admiration.

Shows feminine agreement with 'grande'.

Elle a de l'admiration pour le professeur.

She has admiration for the teacher.

Common structure 'avoir de l'admiration pour'.

Le petit garçon regarde le pompier avec admiration.

The little boy looks at the firefighter with admiration.

'Avec admiration' acts as an adverbial phrase.

Mon admiration est sincère.

My admiration is sincere.

'Sincère' is an adjective modifying the feminine noun.

Nous avons de l'admiration pour les artistes.

We have admiration for the artists.

Plural subject 'nous' with the standard phrase.

Il n'a pas d'admiration pour ce film.

He has no admiration for this movie.

In negation, 'de l'' becomes 'd''.

Ton admiration me fait plaisir.

Your admiration makes me happy.

Possessive adjective 'ton' is used because 'admiration' starts with a vowel, even though it is feminine.

J'éprouve beaucoup d'admiration pour les sportifs.

I feel a lot of admiration for athletes.

'Éprouver' is a common verb for feelings.

Son talent suscite l'admiration de tous les voisins.

His talent sparks the admiration of all the neighbors.

'Susciter' means to arouse or spark.

Elle est restée en admiration devant le monument.

She stood in admiration in front of the monument.

The phrase 'être en admiration devant'.

C'est une admiration qui dure depuis longtemps.

It is an admiration that has lasted for a long time.

Relative clause 'qui dure'.

Il exprime son admiration avec des mots simples.

He expresses his admiration with simple words.

'Exprimer' is used for outward signs of feeling.

L'admiration des fans est très importante pour elle.

The fans' admiration is very important to her.

Subject of the sentence.

Est-ce que tu as de l'admiration pour ce chef ?

Do you have admiration for this chef?

Question form with 'est-ce que'.

Ils partagent une admiration mutuelle.

They share a mutual admiration.

'Mutuelle' is the feminine form of the adjective.

L'admiration que je porte à ce médecin est immense.

The admiration I have for this doctor is immense.

Uses 'porter à' which is slightly more formal than 'avoir pour'.

Il a réussi à forcer l'admiration de ses adversaires.

He managed to command the admiration of his opponents.

'Forcer l'admiration' is a strong collocation.

Son travail acharné mérite toute notre admiration.

His hard work deserves all our admiration.

'Mériter' (to deserve) is often used with this noun.

Je ne peux pas cacher mon admiration pour son courage.

I cannot hide my admiration for his courage.

'Cacher' (to hide) in the negative.

L'admiration est souvent le début de l'amitié.

Admiration is often the beginning of friendship.

Abstract philosophical statement.

Elle voue une admiration sans bornes à cette écrivaine.

She has boundless admiration for this writer.

'Vouer' and 'sans bornes' (boundless) are B1+ vocabulary.

Il y avait une pointe d'admiration dans sa voix.

There was a hint of admiration in his voice.

'Une pointe de' (a hint of).

L'admiration peut parfois nous aveugler.

Admiration can sometimes blind us.

'Aveugler' (to blind) used metaphorically.

Cette œuvre d'art suscite une admiration quasi religieuse.

This work of art arouses a almost religious admiration.

Use of 'quasi' and 'religieuse' for nuance.

Malgré leurs différends, ils gardent une admiration l'un pour l'autre.

Despite their differences, they maintain an admiration for each other.

'Malgré' (despite) and 'l'un pour l'autre'.

Son humilité n'a d'égal que l'admiration qu'il inspire.

His humility is matched only by the admiration he inspires.

Sophisticated 'n'a d'égal que' structure.

L'admiration n'exclut pas une certaine critique constructive.

Admiration does not exclude a certain constructive criticism.

'N'exclut pas' (does not exclude).

Il s'est perdu dans l'admiration des détails de la cathédrale.

He got lost in the admiration of the cathedral's details.

'Se perdre dans' (to get lost in).

L'admiration est un sentiment plus profond que le simple respect.

Admiration is a deeper feeling than simple respect.

Comparative structure 'plus... que'.

Elle a su transformer son admiration en une source d'inspiration.

She knew how to transform her admiration into a source of inspiration.

'Savoir faire quelque chose' (to know how to do something).

L'admiration collective a soudé la nation pendant la crise.

Collective admiration united the nation during the crisis.

'Souder' (to weld/unite).

L'admiration, selon Descartes, est la première de toutes les passions.

Admiration, according to Descartes, is the first of all passions.

Academic reference to French philosophy.

Il contemplait les ruines avec une admiration mêlée de mélancolie.

He contemplated the ruins with an admiration mixed with melancholy.

'Mêlée de' (mixed with) adds emotional complexity.

Le texte est d'une telle beauté qu'il commande l'admiration immédiate.

The text is of such beauty that it commands immediate admiration.

'D'une telle... que' structure.

Son génie, bien que contesté, finit par emporter l'admiration générale.

His genius, although contested, ended up winning general admiration.

'Bien que' with subjunctive (implied) and 'emporter l'admiration'.

L'admiration inconditionnelle peut mener à une perte d'esprit critique.

Unconditional admiration can lead to a loss of critical thinking.

Abstract social analysis.

Elle éprouvait une admiration muette devant tant de dignité.

She felt a silent admiration before such dignity.

'Muette' (silent) used to describe a feeling.

L'admiration est le moteur de son ascension sociale et intellectuelle.

Admiration is the engine of his social and intellectual rise.

Metaphorical use of 'moteur'.

Il y a dans son œuvre une quête permanente de l'admiration du lecteur.

There is in his work a permanent quest for the reader's admiration.

Analyzing authorial intent.

L'admiration n'est ici que le prélude à une dévotion plus absolue encore.

Admiration here is but the prelude to an even more absolute devotion.

'Ne... que' (only) and 'plus... encore'.

Par-delà l'admiration esthétique, c'est la portée morale qui nous interpelle.

Beyond aesthetic admiration, it is the moral significance that speaks to us.

'Par-delà' (beyond) and 'interpeller'.

Cette politique a fini par s'attirer l'admiration, même de ses détracteurs.

This policy ended up garnering admiration, even from its detractors.

'S'attirer l'admiration' (to garner/attract admiration).

L'admiration se mue ici en une forme d'extase contemplative.

Admiration here transforms into a form of contemplative ecstasy.

'Se muer en' (to transform into).

Le style de l'auteur oscille entre l'admiration lyrique et l'ironie mordante.

The author's style oscillates between lyrical admiration and biting irony.

Sophisticated literary analysis.

Il n'est point d'admiration sans une part de mystère et d'inconnu.

There is no admiration without a share of mystery and the unknown.

Formal 'Il n'est point' (there is not).

L'admiration s'étiole dès lors que l'objet perd de sa superbe.

Admiration withers as soon as the object loses its grandeur.

'S'étioler' (to wither) and 'dès lors que' (as soon as).

Forcer l'admiration par la seule force de l'esprit est le propre des grands hommes.

Commanding admiration by the sole strength of the mind is the hallmark of great men.

'Le propre de' (the hallmark of).

Common Collocations

éprouver de l'admiration

susciter l'admiration

forcer l'admiration

une admiration sans bornes

être en admiration devant

vouer une admiration

une admiration mutuelle

pleins d'admiration

un regard d'admiration

l'objet de l'admiration

Common Phrases

Avec admiration

— Doing something while feeling respect. It describes the manner of an action.

Il l'écoutait avec admiration.

Digne d'admiration

— Something that deserves to be admired. It is a high compliment for work or character.

Son courage est digne d'admiration.

Tomber en admiration

— To suddenly become very impressed by something. It suggests a physical or emotional 'drop' into the feeling.

Il est tombé en admiration devant la vue.

Par admiration pour

— Doing something because you admire someone. It explains the motivation.

Il a choisi ce métier par admiration pour son père.

Sans admiration

— Lacking any feeling of respect or wonder. Often used to describe a cold or critical view.

Il a regardé le film sans aucune admiration.

Une pointe d'admiration

— A small amount or a hint of respect. Used for subtle emotions.

Il y avait une pointe d'admiration dans sa critique.

L'admiration de la foule

— The collective respect of a group of people. Often used in journalism.

L'admiration de la foule était palpable.

Porter de l'admiration

— To hold or carry a feeling of respect for someone. Slightly more formal than 'avoir'.

Je porte une grande admiration à cet auteur.

Perdre son admiration

— To stop respecting someone after a disappointment. Describes a change in perception.

Elle a perdu son admiration pour lui après le scandale.

Un cri d'admiration

— A spontaneous verbal expression of wonder. Used for sudden beauty or skill.

Un cri d'admiration s'est élevé de l'assemblée.

Often Confused With

l'admiration vs l'adoration

L'adoration is much stronger and can be religious. Admiration is more about respect for quality.

l'admiration vs l'étonnement

L'étonnement is surprise. You can be surprised by something bad, but you only admire something good.

l'admiration vs l'estime

L'estime is a rational evaluation of worth. Admiration is more of an emotional 'wow' factor.

Idioms & Expressions

"Être en admiration devant quelqu'un"

— To be completely fascinated or awestruck by someone. It implies a state of being.

Elle est toujours en admiration devant son frère aîné.

neutral

"Forcer l'admiration"

— To behave in such a way that even enemies or skeptics must respect you.

Son honnêteté a fini par forcer l'admiration de ses critiques.

formal

"Vouer une admiration sans bornes"

— To have limitless respect for someone. 'Sans bornes' literally means 'without borders'.

Il voue une admiration sans bornes aux grands explorateurs.

literary

"Ne pas tarir d'admiration"

— To never stop talking about how much you admire something. 'Tarir' means to dry up.

Les critiques ne tarissent pas d'admiration pour ce nouveau film.

formal

"Avoir les yeux pleins d'admiration"

— To visually show deep respect and wonder. A very descriptive idiom.

L'enfant avait les yeux pleins d'admiration devant le sapin de Noël.

neutral

"Un concert d'admiration"

— When many people are all expressing their respect at the same time.

Son discours a été accueilli par un concert d'admiration.

formal

"L'admiration est la fille de l'ignorance"

— A proverb suggesting we only admire what we don't understand (often attributed to Franklin or others).

Il disait souvent que l'admiration est la fille de l'ignorance.

literary

"Rester en admiration"

— To stay in a state of wonder for a period of time.

Nous sommes restés en admiration pendant des heures.

neutral

"Susciter l'admiration générale"

— To be admired by everyone in a specific group or society.

Sa découverte a suscité l'admiration générale du monde scientifique.

formal

"Par pure admiration"

— Doing something solely because of respect, with no other motive.

Il l'a aidé par pure admiration pour son travail.

neutral

Easily Confused

l'admiration vs admirable

It is the adjective form.

Admiration is the noun (the feeling), while admirable is the adjective (the quality of the object).

C'est un travail admirable qui suscite l'admiration.

l'admiration vs admiratif

It describes the person feeling the admiration.

You feel admiration (noun), so you are admiratif (adjective).

Je suis admiratif de son courage.

l'admiration vs mirage

Shares the same 'mir' root.

A mirage is an optical illusion, while admiration is a real feeling of respect.

Ce n'est pas un mirage, son talent est réel et digne d'admiration.

l'admiration vs amitié

Both are positive feelings for people.

Amitié is friendship (equality); admiration is looking up to someone (hierarchy of merit).

Notre amitié est basée sur une admiration mutuelle.

l'admiration vs envie

Both involve looking at someone else's success.

Admiration is positive and selfless; envie (envy) is negative and wants what the other has.

J'ai de l'admiration pour son succès, pas de l'envie.

Sentence Patterns

J'ai de l'admiration pour [nom].

J'ai de l'admiration pour mon frère.

[Sujet] suscite l'admiration.

Son courage suscite l'admiration.

Être en admiration devant [quelque chose].

Nous sommes en admiration devant ce palais.

Éprouver une [adjectif] admiration pour [nom].

Il éprouve une profonde admiration pour son mentor.

Forcer l'admiration de [quelqu'un].

Elle a forcé l'admiration de ses collègues.

Vouer une admiration sans bornes à [nom].

Il voue une admiration sans bornes à la science.

L'admiration que je porte à [nom]...

L'admiration que je porte à cet auteur est ancienne.

Il n'est point d'admiration sans...

Il n'est point d'admiration sans une part de mystère.

Word Family

Nouns

admirateur (m.) / admiratrice (f.) - admirer

admiration (f.) - admiration

Verbs

admirer - to admire

s'admirer - to admire oneself

Adjectives

admirable - admirable

admiratif / admirative - admiring

miracle

miroir

mirifique

mirage

merveille

How to Use It

frequency

Common in both written and spoken French, especially in cultural and professional contexts.

Common Mistakes

Un grand admiration. → Une grande admiration.
Admiration is a feminine noun. Adjectives must agree in gender.
J'ai admiration pour lui. → J'ai de l'admiration pour lui.
You need a partitive article (de l') when expressing an unspecified amount of a feeling.
Mon admiration de cet artiste. → Mon admiration pour cet artiste.
The preposition 'pour' is used to indicate the target of the admiration.
Il est admiratif pour son travail. → Il est admiratif de son travail.
The adjective 'admiratif' takes the preposition 'de', while the noun 'admiration' takes 'pour'.
Je ressens l'admiration. → Je ressens de l'admiration.
In general contexts, the partitive 'de l'' is preferred over the definite 'l'' unless referring to a specific previously mentioned admiration.

Tips

Gender Trap

Always remember 'admiration' is feminine. If you use the word 'grand', it must be 'grande'. 'L'admiration est grande.' This is a common test question for B1 learners.

Verb Choice

Don't just use 'avoir'. Use 'éprouver' (to feel) to sound more like a native speaker. 'J'éprouve une vive admiration pour son œuvre.'

The Nasal End

Ensure the final nasal sound is clear. It's the same sound as in 'bon' or 'maison'. Practice saying 'ad-mi-ra-sion' slowly.

French Values

In France, admiring someone's intellect is often considered higher praise than admiring their wealth. Use 'admiration' to compliment someone's mind or talent.

Prepositions Matter

Always pair 'admiration' with 'pour' when identifying the object. 'Mon admiration pour la France' is correct. 'Mon admiration de la France' is not.

Force the Respect

Use the phrase 'forcer l'admiration' when someone achieves something so great that even their critics have to respect them.

Complimenting

A great way to give a deep compliment is to say 'J'ai beaucoup d'admiration pour ta façon de...' (I have a lot of admiration for the way you...).

Artistic Awe

When at a museum, use 'Je suis en admiration devant ce tableau' to show you are deeply moved by the art.

Mirror Root

The root 'mir' is in 'mirror', 'miracle', and 'admiration'. They all relate to 'looking' and 'wondering'.

Adjective Agreement

If you say 'His admiration', it's 'son admiration' (even though it's feminine) because it starts with a vowel. But if you add an adjective, it's 'sa grande admiration'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of an 'ADMIRal' receiving 'ADMIRation' for his 'ADMIRable' victory. The 'tion' ending is like 'shun' but with an 's' sound in French.

Visual Association

Imagine someone looking through a 'miroir' (mirror) and seeing something 'admirable'. The 'mir' root connects wonder, mirrors, and admiration.

Word Web

Respect Talent Génie Art Étonnement Héros Éloges Inspiration

Challenge

Try to use 'l'admiration pour' in three different sentences today: one about a family member, one about a celebrity, and one about a natural landscape.

Word Origin

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

Original meaning: In Latin, it primarily meant 'surprise' or 'astonishment', whether the cause was positive or negative.

Romance (Latin-based).

Cultural Context

Be careful not to confuse 'admiration' with 'obsession'. In some modern contexts, excessive admiration can be seen as losing one's own identity.

English speakers often use 'I admire' as a verb. In French, using the noun 'J'ai de l'admiration' sounds slightly more profound and formal.

René Descartes, 'Les Passions de l'âme' (1649), where he analyzes admiration. Victor Hugo's poems often express admiration for nature and the common man. The 'Légion d'honneur' awards ceremony, which is a public display of national admiration.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Art and Culture

Admiration pour le style
En admiration devant la toile
Susciter l'admiration des critiques
Une œuvre digne d'admiration

Sports and Achievement

Admiration pour la performance
Forcer l'admiration du public
Plein d'admiration pour l'effort
Une carrière qui force l'admiration

Personal Relationships

J'ai de l'admiration pour toi
Une admiration mutuelle
Par admiration pour son père
Vouer une admiration secrète

Nature and Landscapes

En admiration devant la montagne
Un cri d'admiration face à la vue
L'admiration de la nature
Rester en admiration devant le coucher du soleil

Professional Life

L'estime et l'admiration des collègues
Susciter l'admiration par son travail
Un regard d'admiration du patron
Exprimer son admiration pour un projet

Conversation Starters

"Pour quelle personnalité historique as-tu le plus d'admiration ?"

"Est-ce que l'admiration est nécessaire pour aimer quelqu'un ?"

"Quelle œuvre d'art a suscité chez toi une grande admiration ?"

"Peut-on avoir de l'admiration pour un adversaire ?"

"Comment exprimes-tu ton admiration envers tes amis ?"

Journal Prompts

Décrivez une personne pour qui vous avez une immense admiration et expliquez pourquoi.

Racontez un moment où vous êtes resté en admiration devant un paysage naturel.

Pensez-vous que l'admiration peut être dangereuse ? Développez votre opinion.

Comment votre admiration pour certains mentors a-t-elle influencé vos choix de vie ?

Écrivez une lettre (fictive ou réelle) à quelqu'un pour lui exprimer votre admiration.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is feminine. Even though you say 'l'admiration', you must say 'une grande admiration' or 'l'admiration est totale'. Most French nouns ending in -tion are feminine.

Use 'pour' when you want to name the person or thing you admire. For example, 'mon admiration pour Marie'. Use 'de' only for possession, like 'le regard d'admiration de Marie' (Marie's look of admiration).

Yes, if the food is a masterpiece of culinary art. However, for a simple tasty meal, 'j'aime' or 'c'est délicieux' is more natural. Save 'admiration' for the chef's skill.

'Admirer' is the verb ('I admire'). 'Avoir de l'admiration' is the noun phrase ('I have admiration'). The noun phrase is often used to sound more formal or to add adjectives like 'une profonde admiration'.

It is pronounced [sjɔ̃]. The 't' sounds like an 's', and the 'ion' is a nasal 'o'. It rhymes with the English word 'song' if you don't pronounce the 'ng' at the end.

Yes, it is very common. You'll hear it when people talk about their heroes, their parents, or talented artists. It's a standard B1-level word.

The most direct opposite is 'le mépris' (contempt or scorn). Other opposites include 'le dédain' (disdain) and 'l'indifférence' (indifference).

It is rarely used in the plural. You might see 'ses admirations' in literature to refer to the various things someone admires, but 'l'admiration' as a general feeling is almost always singular.

It means to be in a state of wonder. It often implies that you are staring at something beautiful or amazing without moving or speaking.

Yes, to describe respect for a leader's vision or a company's success. 'L'admiration pour la stratégie de l'entreprise' is a perfectly valid professional sentence.