admire

verb

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ad·mire | \ əd-ˈmī(-ə)r

admired; admiring

Definition of admire

transitive verb

1 : to feel respect and approval for (someone or something) : to regard with admiration They all admired her courage.

2 archaic : to marvel at

intransitive verb

dialect : to like very much … I would admire to know why not …— A. H. Lewis

Other Words from admire Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about admire

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Choose the Right Synonym for admire

regard, respect, esteem, admire mean to recognize the worth of a person or thing. regard is a general term that is usually qualified. he is highly regarded in the profession respect implies a considered evaluation or estimation. after many years they came to respect her views esteem implies greater warmth of feeling accompanying a high valuation. no citizen of the town was more highly esteemed admire suggests usually enthusiastic appreciation and often deep affection. a friend that I truly admire

Examples of admire in a Sentence

We gazed out the window and admired the scenery. I admire the way you handled such a touchy situation.

Recent Examples on the Web Stop daily to admire and smell my blooms, and feel joy. — Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, "10 things your roses are trying to tell you," 3 Apr. 2021 And in each of these productions, one finds much to admire, in the aspiration to push the boundaries of theatrical storytelling. — Washington Post, "As live stages await their big comeback, theater on camera is getting better and better," 2 Apr. 2021 Given the ways people admire or despise him, however, the nuances seem beside the point. — New York Times, "Could Ron DeSantis Be Trump’s G.O.P. Heir? He’s Certainly Trying.," 10 Apr. 2021 Fill up one of these tall glasses with iced tea, and admire how the different colored bases sparkle in the sunlight. — Angela Serratore, Country Living, "5 Summer-Ready Patio Looks (And The Furniture and Decor To Make It Happen)," 8 Apr. 2021 The good news is that future scholars of history and the civil rights movement, and readers who admire the contributions of those who led nonviolent change, can learn about Vivian’s works and life through his own thoughts and words. — Washington Post, "In C.T. Vivian’s memoir, a civil rights icon looks back at his life as a ‘nonviolent warrior’," 7 Apr. 2021 Lastly, take a step back and admire your DIY masterpiece! — Courtney Thompson, CNN Underscored, "How to use peel-and-stick wallpaper to completely transform your space," 1 Apr. 2021 Look for support from friends and colleagues who admire your astute observations. — Tribune Content Agency, oregonlive, "Horoscope for March 25, 2021: Happy birthday Sarah Jessica Parker; Virgo, attend to priorities," 25 Mar. 2021 Regardless, while fans may have differing opinions on who Black Swan could be, lots of them couldn’t help but admire the bird’s stunning look. — Selena Barrientos, Good Housekeeping, "Who Is 'Black Swan' on 'The Masked Singer'? Fans Say It's Pretty Obvious," 17 Mar. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'admire.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for admire

borrowed from Middle French admirer, Latinization of amirer "to make (little or much) of," borrowed from Latin admīrārī, ammīrārī "to regard with wonder, show esteem for," from ad- ad- + mīrārī "to be surprised, look with wonder at," derivative of mīrus, "remarkable, amazing," of uncertain origin

Note: Regarding etymology of Latin mīrus see note at smile entry 1.

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