admire
HighNeutral to Formal (used across all registers but slightly more common in positive/formal contexts than casual slang)
Definition
Meaning
To regard with respect, approval, or warm approval, often for someone's qualities, achievements, or appearance.
To look at with pleasure or appreciation; to express or feel a high regard for someone or something, sometimes implying a degree of aspiration or idealization.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a positive emotional response, often involving respect or aesthetic pleasure. Can sometimes carry a nuance of looking up to someone. Not typically used for trivial likes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both use the word identically in core meaning. Spelling differences in derived forms (e.g., 'admirable' same, but 'admirer' is standard in both).
Connotations
Slight tendency in British English to use 'admire' with a touch more formality or restraint. American English may use it slightly more broadly for strong liking.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
admire [NP]admire [NP] for [NP/V-ing]admire [wh-clause]be admired by [NP]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Admire from afar”
- “Stop and admire the view”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to express respect for a colleague's success, strategy, or work ethic. 'The board admires the CEO's turnaround plan.'
Academic
Used to discuss respect for theories, scholars, or artistic works. 'Many critics admire the structural complexity of the novel.'
Everyday
Common for complimenting someone's qualities, possessions, or appearance. 'I really admire your dedication to fitness.'
Technical
Rare. Might appear in art/literary criticism. Not typical in STEM fields.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I truly admire her resilience.
- We stopped to admire the stunning Cotswolds scenery.
- He is admired for his integrity.
American English
- I really admire his work ethic.
- Let's take a moment to admire the Grand Canyon.
- She is widely admired in her field.
adverb
British English
- She looked at him admiringly.
- He spoke admiringly of his former teacher.
American English
- They watched the performance admiringly.
- The article was written admiringly about the inventor.
adjective
British English
- She gave him an admiring glance.
- The painting received admiring reviews.
American English
- He looked at the car with an admiring eye.
- She spoke in admiring terms about her mentor.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I admire my teacher.
- She admires her new dress.
- They admire the big house.
- Many people admire her courage.
- We admired the beautiful sunset.
- He is a very admired leader.
- I've always admired the way she handles pressure.
- The architect's work is admired internationally.
- One cannot help but admire his determination.
- While I admire her technical prowess, I find her methodology questionable.
- The novel is widely admired for its nuanced characterisation.
- His stoicism in the face of adversity is something to be admired.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
ADMIRE sounds like 'add mire' - imagine adding someone to the 'mire' (old word for admiration/wonder) of your thoughts.
Conceptual Metaphor
ADMIRATION IS UP/ADMIRATION IS LIGHT (e.g., 'look up to someone', 'think highly of', 'a shining example').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'admit' (признавать).
- Not a direct equivalent of 'нравиться' (to like). 'Admire' is stronger and based on respect/qualities, not just preference.
- Beware of false friend 'восхищаться' is closer, but 'admire' can be less emotional/more intellectual.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'admire' for simple liking of objects ('I admire this pizza' is odd).
- Incorrect preposition: 'I admire to her' (correct: 'I admire her' or 'I admire her for...').
- Overuse in informal contexts where 'like' or 'respect' is sufficient.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'admire' CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but typically for objects with notable qualities like art, scenery, or design (e.g., 'admire a painting'), not for everyday objects like a pen.
'Respect' is more about recognition of status, rules, or rights, often earned. 'Admire' involves a warmer, more personal feeling of approval, often mixed with pleasure or aspiration.
Yes, it primarily describes a state of mind/feeling. It is not usually used in continuous/progressive forms (e.g., 'I am admiring' is less common except when describing the active act of looking at something).
The main nouns are 'admiration' (the feeling) and 'admirer' (a person who admires, often romantically). 'Admirableness' is very rare.