verb
admire
ud-MY-ur/ədˈmaɪər/
To regard someone or something with pleasure or respect.
The gallery visitor admires the carefully carved wooden bird.
Etymology
The pieces originally expressed regarding something with wonder or astonishment. That strong reaction gradually softened into looking on someone or something with pleasure and esteem.
In context
So they all came out to admire him. >> Look how huge the beast is.
More examples
- I admire her patience with difficult questions.
- He has always admired his brother's honesty.
- We stop for a moment, admiring the sunset over the lake.
Forms
admire · admires · admired · admiring
admiration noun — Pleasure or respect felt toward someone or something.
admirable adjective — Deserving respect or warm approval.
Similar words
- respect
- Emphasizes esteem rather than pleasure in appearance or skill.
- appreciate
- Can recognize value without strong admiration or personal esteem.