admiration

[ad-muh-rey-shuhn]

noun

1. a feeling of wonder, pleasure, or approval.

   Synonyms: affection, regard, esteem, approval
   Antonyms: condemnation

2. the act of looking on or contemplating with pleasure.

   admiration of fine paintings.

3. an object of wonder, pleasure, or approval.

   The dancer was the admiration of everyone.

4. Archaic.,  wonder; astonishment.

admiration

/ ˌædməˈreɪʃən /

noun

1. pleasurable contemplation or surprise

2. a person or thing that is admired

   she was the admiration of the court

3. archaic,  wonder

Other Word Forms

• admirative adjective
• admiratively adverb
• self-admiration noun
• superadmiration noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of admiration¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English admiracion, from Latin admīrātiōn-, stem of admīrātiō; equivalent to admire + -ation

Idioms and Phrases

see mutual admiration society.

Example Sentences

I have nothing but admiration for you and huge respect for your achievement in politics.

From BBC

Hollywood’s growing admiration led Armani to a number of movie assignments.

From Los Angeles Times

His hope is that, if the Spanish master somehow comes across the show, he feels his admiration.

From Los Angeles Times

When people comment on them, I sometimes can’t tell if it’s out of admiration or a vague yet inquisitive repulsion.

From Los Angeles Times

The new movie also reflects Lee’s serious admiration for Kurosawa.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adoration 
• affection 
• applause 
• appreciation 
• delight 
• esteem 
• fondness 
• love 
• pleasure 
• praise 
• recognition 
• reverence 
• wonder 
• wonderment