# admire

/ædˈmaɪɹ/ (US) · /ɐdmˈaɪə/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/admire
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. to respect someone

verb · CEFR B1

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

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

- I really admire my sister for how hard she works to support her family.
- Historians generally admire the diplomat's ability to maintain peace during such a volatile period of international relations.

### 2. to look at with pleasure

verb · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: to gaze upon something with aesthetic pleasure or wonder.

- We stopped for a moment to admire the beautiful view from the top of the hill.
- The tourists stood in silence to admire the intricate carvings on the cathedral's ancient stone doors.

### 3. to want to do something

verb · CEFR C2 · American English · Dialect

to be very happy or excited to do something.

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

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

Teaching 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.

## Examples

- I really admire your courage.
- Many young artists admire her work for its bold use of color and light.
- While historians may admire his strategic brilliance on the battlefield, they often criticize the ethical implications of his political decisions during the subsequent occupation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.