noun

adoration

ad-uh-RAY-shuhn/ˌædəˈreɪʃn/

Deep love, admiration, or devotion.

The parent gazes with adoration at the returning adult child.

An older parent gazes with deep affection as an adult child returns home.

Etymology

adLatinto, toward

+orLatinto speak formally, pray

+ationLatinact or process

The pieces evoke directing a formal appeal or prayer toward someone. Adoration preserves the resulting sense of worship, which also supplies the force behind its use for deep love or admiration.

In context

Velvet Recaps81:08

Seeing the adoration in Guilford's eyes, Alicia smugly remembers that he is completely in love with her

She Escaped Her Villainess Fate, But Accidentally Became the SAINTESS | Part 1 | Manga recap

More examples

Her puppy follows her everywhere, its eyes full of adoration.
The singer earns the adoration of fans across the country.
The congregation sings a hymn of adoration.

Forms

adoration

adore verb — To love or admire very deeply.

adoring adjective — Showing deep love or admiration.

Similar words

devotion: Emphasizes lasting loyalty and commitment more than admiring affection.
admiration: Expresses respect or approval without necessarily implying deep love.
worship: Often suggests religious reverence rather than personal affection.