admire
uhd-MEYE-uh
Admire (verb) means to regard someone or something with respect and approval. Example: “I admire people who volunteer their weekends to help others.”
verb
1
To regard someone or something with respect and approval.
"I admire people who volunteer their weekends to help others."
"I really admire how calmly she handled the situation."
"Tourists stopped to admire the view from the cliff top."
How to use admire
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo think highly of someone or something, often with a touch of wonder.
Common pairings
admire someone for
admire the view
much admired
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- admires
- Past tense
- admired
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I _____ people who volunteer their weekends to help others.
Etymology
From Latin admirari, "to wonder at," from ad- ("toward") plus mirari ("to marvel, be amazed").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for admire
See all rhymes for admire →Frequently asked questions
What does “admire” mean?
The word “admire” means to regard someone or something with respect and approval. In plain terms, to think highly of someone or something, often with a touch of wonder.
How do you pronounce “admire”?
“Admire” is pronounced uhd-MEYE-uh (/ədˈmaɪɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “admire” in a sentence?
Here is “admire” used in a sentence: “I really admire how calmly she handled the situation.”
What part of speech is “admire”?
“Admire” is a verb.
Where does the word “admire” come from?
The word “admire” comes from Latin. From Latin admirari, "to wonder at," from ad- ("toward") plus mirari ("to marvel, be amazed").
Is “admire” a common word?
“Admire” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between "admire" and "respect"?
To "respect" someone is to hold them in high regard, often for their abilities, position, or rights. To "admire" adds a warmer note of approval and pleasure, so you look up to them and are pleased by what they do. You can respect a rival without admiring them, but admiration usually includes respect.
What is the difference between "admire" and "adore"?
"Admire" means to regard someone or something with respect and approval, keeping a note of judgement. "Adore" is much stronger and more emotional, meaning to love deeply or worship. You might admire a colleague's work but adore a close family member.
What is the difference between "admire" and "envy"?
To "admire" someone is to appreciate them with approval and goodwill. To "envy" them is to want something they have, often with a tinge of resentment. Admiration is generous and positive, while envy centres on your own longing for what another person possesses.
Which preposition is used with "admire"?
You usually admire someone "for" a particular quality, as in "I admire her for her patience." You can also admire someone or something directly without a preposition, as in "they admired the view." The standard pattern is "admire someone for something."
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