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admire

(transitive) To look upon with an elevated feeling of pleasure, as something which calls out approbation, esteem, love or reverence.

ədˈmaɪəSilenthistoricalCurrent172 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
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10 citations · last seen May 2026

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Global
#1·Apr 27, 2026Global

(transitive) To look upon with an elevated feeling of pleasure, as something which calls out approbation, esteem, love or reverence.

I'm not sayin' she's touched the Devil, now, but I'd admire to know what books she reads and why she hides them — she'll not answer me, y' see.
Heard in the wild
  • “Here's a picture of me. The mood just hit me suddenly while only wearing a lace body and high heels. There are times when you just feel a desire to embrace your femininity and share that moment with people who admire sissy faggots like me ☺️🩷”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “You’re expecting them to offer their sympathy or even notice at all? I admire your optimism”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “I always deeply admire people who can stay still in a room and wait for people to come to them. - Abi Morgan #QuoteBot”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “I rather admire the people who do the naked bike ride - it can't be comfortable wnbrlondon.uk”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “This. I admire him hugely - he walks the walk, brings receipts and never backs down. Far more impressive than 90% of others”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
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Global
#2·Apr 27, 2026Global

(transitive) To regard with wonder and delight.

He'd always been (very) much admired by his colleagues.
Heard in the wild
  • “I admire this young man. He stands up against the Republican bullies with facts and then watches them lose their 💩. We need many more like him to face the opposition cult and the humiliation they so richly deserve.”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “Of course it's obscene, especially the amount of money that's spaffed while the average Joe and Jane are struggling to pay their bills. Just can't help admire the artistry, especially in that painted dress.”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “Art imitates life; life pauses to admire.”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “I admire the sincerity of the question however! 😜”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “Did Tom Holland just say, “My dad is coming home”? (groan) I love The Odyssey fiercely; I admire the director. But I’m not optimistic”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
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Global
#3·Apr 27, 2026Global

(obsolete, transitive) To be amazed at; to view with surprise; to marvel at.

Origin: From , borrowed from , from , from ad + mīror. Origin information sourced from Wiktionary contributors (CC BY-SA 4.0).
For parents

Admire means: To be amazed at; to view with surprise; to marvel at.. The word is mostly archaic or historical; you will only encounter it in old texts, period drama, or school history rather than current teen conversation. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.

For ESL learners

admire means: To be amazed at; to view with surprise; to marvel at.. Register: archaic, historical. Almost never used today; you will find it only in older texts, dictionaries of dialect, or historical writing. Avoid in active vocabulary. Common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; always check the context before producing it yourself.

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