admiration
B2Neutral to Formal (most common in formal/neutral writing, less so in casual speech).
Definition
Meaning
A feeling of deep respect, warm approval, and delighted pleasure towards someone or something.
A high regard or respect for a quality, achievement, or trait. It can also refer to the object of such respect.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a positive evaluation that elevates the subject. It often carries connotations of inspiration, affection, and esteem. While related, 'admiration' is less intense than 'adoration' (more emotional) and 'worship' (religious/severe devotion).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is virtually identical; no significant lexical or grammatical differences.
Connotations
Slightly more associated with formal praise in British usage, but the distinction is minimal.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
admiration for + [person/thing]in admiration of + [person/thing]to do sth with admirationto look at/gaze at with admirationto win/earn/gain the admiration of + [person/group]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Lost in admiration”
- “To be full of admiration for”
- “To do something to admiration (archaic, meaning 'perfectly')”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Often used to describe respect for a colleague's achievements or a company's values.
Academic
Used to discuss high regard for a scholar's work, a theory, or an artistic creation.
Everyday
Used to express strong liking or respect for someone's skill, character, or appearance.
Technical
Rare in technical fields outside of literary or psychological analysis.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I greatly admire her work ethic.
American English
- I really admire his honesty and integrity.
adverb
British English
- He spoke admiringly of his former tutor.
American English
- She looked at the painting admiringly.
adjective
British English
- She gave him an admiring glance.
American English
- He was the object of admiring looks from the audience.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have great admiration for my teacher.
- He looked at the footballer with admiration.
- Her courage earned her the admiration of her colleagues.
- They gazed in admiration at the beautiful old building.
- My admiration for her grew as I learned more about her charitable work.
- There was a mutual admiration between the two artists.
- His cynical worldview left no room for genuine admiration of anything.
- The biography was less a critical study and more a work of unqualified admiration.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'ADMIRAL' (a respected naval commander). 'Admiration' is the feeling you have for someone you look up to, like an admiral.
Conceptual Metaphor
ADMIRATION IS UP / ADMIRATION IS A FORCE (e.g., 'I look *up* to her', 'She was *filled* with admiration', 'He *held* her in high esteem').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'wonder' (удивление). Admiration is 'восхищение'.
- Do not overuse as a direct translation for 'уважение' (respect). 'Respect' can be more neutral and formal than 'admiration'.
- Be careful with 'обожание' - this is closer to 'adoration' (stronger, more emotional).
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect preposition: 'admiration to' (correct: 'admiration for')
- Confusion with adjective form: 'I am admiration for you' (correct: 'I feel admiration for you' / 'I admire you')
- Overuse in contexts where 'respect' or 'liking' is more appropriate.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the closest antonym of 'admiration'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Admiration is warmer, more emotional, and often based on qualities that inspire delight (skill, beauty, courage). Respect can be cooler, more formal, and based on status, rules, or achievements without the emotional warmth.
Typically, no. It is a positive sentiment. However, it can be used ironically or critically, as in 'He stared at her with undisguised admiration' which might imply inappropriate staring.
Primarily uncountable (e.g., 'I feel great admiration'). It can be used countably in rare, formal contexts when referring to specific instances or objects of admiration, but this is uncommon.
'Feel' and 'have' (to feel/have admiration for). The related verb is, of course, 'admire'.
Collections
Part of a collection
Relationships
B1 · 49 words · Vocabulary for interpersonal and social connections.