admire

/ədˈmaɪər/
verbIntermediate
formal

To regard with respect or warm approval; to esteem highly

I admire her dedication to her work.

She is admired for her leadership skills.

💡

Often used to express respect for someone's qualities or achievements.

informal

To look at with pleasure or wonder; to view with admiration

We admired the beautiful sunset from the balcony.

The tourists admired the ancient ruins.

💡

Can be used for both people and things.

Collocations

admire someone forTo respect someone because of a specific quality or achievementadmire something aboutTo appreciate a particular aspect of something

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

admire from afarphrase
To respect or appreciate someone or something without being involved

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

Use 'admire' to express respect or approval, but avoid overusing it in casual conversation as it can sound formal.

Gold Rule

Subject-Verb Agreement

Ensure the verb agrees with the subject when using 'admire' in different tenses.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English *admiren*, from Old French *admirer*, from Latin *admirari* (to wonder at), from *ad-* (to) + *mirari* (to wonder).

📝Usage Notes

Can be used both transitively (with an object) and intransitively (without an object).

Word Breakdown

ad-
to
prefix
+
-mir-
wonder
root
+
-e
verb ending
suffix
English Dictionary