adore
5 synonyms and 3 antonyms for adore, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To love someone or something very deeply.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
idolize
dote on
Antonyms
How to use adore
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
adore someone
absolutely adore
Etymology
From Old French adorer, from Latin adorare ("to pray to"), from ad- ("to") + orare ("to speak, pray").
Full origin of adore →Frequently asked questions
What does “adore” mean?
The word “adore” means to love someone or something very deeply. In plain terms, to love intensely — stronger and warmer than just "like.".
How do you pronounce “adore”?
“Adore” is pronounced uh-DAW (/əˈdoɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “adore” in a sentence?
Here is “adore” used in a sentence: “She adores her grandchildren.”
What part of speech is “adore”?
“Adore” is a verb.
Where does the word “adore” come from?
The word “adore” comes from Latin. From Old French adorer, from Latin adorare ("to pray to"), from ad- ("to") + orare ("to speak, pray").
Is “adore” a common word?
“Adore” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between adore and love?
Adore expresses a more intense, often admiring form of affection, suggesting deep fondness or even worshipful regard, while love is a broader term covering a wider range of intensity and types of attachment. Adore is often used for both people and things, such as "I adore this song."
Is adore used mostly in casual or formal speech?
Adore is common in everyday, informal speech, especially to express enthusiasm about things, places, or activities, such as "I adore this restaurant." It can also appear in more heartfelt or romantic contexts describing deep affection for a person.
Can adore be used for objects and activities, or only people?
Adore is commonly used for objects, activities, and experiences as well as people, such as adoring a piece of music, a place, or a pet. This flexible usage distinguishes it from stricter romantic terms that apply mainly to people.
