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admire

v.
US //ædˈmaɪɹ// UK //ɐdmˈaɪə// ad·mire
  1. 1 to respect someone (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to respect or like someone because of their qualities or what they have achieved.

    to regard a person or their actions with high esteem, approbation, or respect.

    Example

    I really admire my sister for how hard she works to support her family.

    Example

    Historians generally admire the diplomat's ability to maintain peace during such a volatile period of international relations.
  2. 2 to look at with pleasure (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to look at something and think that it is very attractive or impressive.

    to gaze upon something with aesthetic pleasure or wonder.

    Example

    We stopped for a moment to admire the beautiful view from the top of the hill.

    Example

    The tourists stood in silence to admire the intricate carvings on the cathedral's ancient stone doors.
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  1. 3 to want to do something (v.)
    C2 Proficiency American English Dialect

    to be very happy or excited to do something.

    to be enthusiastic about or to desire to perform an action; often followed by an infinitive.

    Example

    I would admire to go with you if you have an extra seat in the car.

    Example

    In certain regional dialects, a speaker might say they would admire to meet the author after the lecture.

    Usage

    Often used with the infinitive 'to' (e.g., 'I'd admire to see it').

    Teacher's tip

    This usage is very rare and restricted to specific rural areas in the United States; learners should avoid using it in standard or professional contexts.
Origin

From Middle English admyren, borrowed from Middle French admirer, from Latin admīror, from ad + mīror (“wonder at”).

Word family

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