admire
- 01 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.
Simple“I really admire my sister for how hard she works to support her family.”
In context“Historians generally admire the diplomat's ability to maintain peace during such a volatile period of international relations.”
- 02 B1 Intermediate
to look at something and think that it is very attractive or impressive.
to gaze upon something with aesthetic pleasure or wonder.
Simple“We stopped for a moment to admire the beautiful view from the top of the hill.”
In context“The tourists stood in silence to admire the intricate carvings on the cathedral's ancient stone doors.”
Synonyms - 03 C2 Proficiency
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.
Simple“I would admire to go with you if you have an extra seat in the car.”
In context“In certain regional dialects, a speaker might say they would admire to meet the author after the lecture.”
UsageOften used with the infinitive 'to' (e.g., 'I'd admire to see it').
Teacher's tipThis usage is very rare and restricted to specific rural areas in the United States; learners should avoid using it in standard or professional contexts.
From Middle English admyren, borrowed from Middle French admirer, from Latin admīror, from ad + mīror (“wonder at”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.