admire

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "admire" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express admiration and respect for someone or something, particularly in the context of admiration for a quality or trait. Example: I admire her courage in standing up for what she believes in.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I admire that".

The New York Times

Which living person do you most admire, and why?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's one that a lot of people admire as captain and coach around the country," Gale added.

The Guardian - Sport

I admire Aaron [Jerome, producer], a musician coming from an electronic background, writing what is fundamentally a pop record without compromising any edge along the way.

The Guardian - Music

However, the chance to pad through the shadowy aisles of damp barrels, and admire the ecclesiastical architecture shouldn't be missed.

The Guardian - Travel

"It was like a letter from home or the firm handshake of someone you admire and trust".

The Guardian - Film

"You just listen to our players at Yorkshire, and they were a bit sad to see him leave – but saw a guy that they admire and respect go on to bigger and better things.

The Guardian - Sport

But I do admire Duras's novels, and particularly the way that she leaves crucial details out of the book so you are always guessing at the meaning.

The Guardian - Film

They come to see and admire and maybe acquire.

The Guardian - Travel

It's hard, I'm caught in the middle; I do admire them.

The Guardian

The writers objecting to an award to Charlie Hebdo (I admire Charlie Hebdo's courage. But it does not deserve a PEN award, theguardian.com, 28 April) are undermining the whole idea.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "admire" to express genuine appreciation for someone's qualities, achievements, or character. Be specific about what you admire to make your compliment more impactful.

Common error

While "admire" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal writing can sound repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "respect", "appreciate", or "esteem" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "admire" is as a transitive verb. It requires a direct object, indicating the person or thing being regarded with respect and approval. Ludwig examples confirm its use in expressing appreciation for qualities or actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "admire" is a versatile transitive verb used to express respect and positive regard. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Its frequency is very common, particularly in news and media. While the word is generally safe, it is important to be genuine when using "admire", as overuse in formal contexts can sound repetitive. Consider varying your language by using synonyms like "respect", "appreciate", or "esteem". Overall, "admire" is a reliable and effective way to convey approval and appreciation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appreciate

Focuses on recognizing the value or quality of something or someone.

think highly of

Indicates a positive opinion and esteem for someone.

regard highly

Indicates a strong positive feeling and respect.

respect

Implies a deeper level of acknowledgment and consideration for someone's qualities or actions.

have a high opinion of

Similar to "think highly of", emphasizing a favorable judgment.

hold in high regard

Similar to "regard highly", emphasizing the level of respect.

value

Highlights the importance and worth attributed to someone or something.

look up to

Suggests admiration accompanied by the desire to emulate the person.

prize

Emphasizes the high value and regard in which something is held.

esteem

A formal term indicating great respect and admiration.

FAQs

How do I use "admire" in a sentence?

Use "admire" to express respect or approval. For example, "I admire her dedication to her work" or "They admire the beauty of the landscape".

What can I say instead of "admire"?

You can use alternatives like "respect", "appreciate", or "look up to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I'm admiring"?

While grammatically correct, "I'm admiring" is less common than "I admire", especially when expressing a general feeling. Use the continuous form primarily when describing a current action of admiring something specific at a particular moment.

What is the difference between "admire" and "adore"?

"Admire" implies respect and approval, while "adore" suggests deep love and affection. Use "admire" for qualities and achievements, and "adore" for things or people you deeply cherish.