grudging admiration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grudging admiration" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of respect or approval that is given reluctantly or with some reservations. Example: "Despite their rivalry, he felt a grudging admiration for her talent and determination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Democrats express grudging admiration for Mr. Romney's fund-raising prowess.

The New York Times

Even Republicans express grudging admiration for Mr. Schumer's ability to command large sums of money.

The New York Times

He winds up looking askance at the situation with a sense of grudging admiration.

The Guardian - Music

The union's critics offer grudging admiration for its tactics in the legislative battle.

The New York Times

There was frustration at the inquiry's failure to pin him down, alongside grudging admiration for his performance.

The Guardian - Opinion

Watson has an old-fashioned chivalry to him; Holmes refers to Adler with grudging admiration as "the woman".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And the mayor might one day find himself nodding in grudging admiration as a de Blasio administration works to deepen and extend some of his policies.

The New York Times

Sitting in the driver's seat, Mr. Winterkorn tests the adjustable steering column and says with what sounds like grudging admiration, "Da scheppert nichts," or, "It doesn't rattle".

The New York Times

Many Washington Democrats acknowledge with grudging admiration that the word "honeymoon" does not really capture the atmosphere of the first two weeks of the Bush presidency.

The New York Times

Mr. Murdoch, however, shows grudging admiration for his daughter, saying that she "is more like me" than any of the other children.

The New York Times

With grudging admiration she admitted to herself that if there were an only man in her life, Smiley would be he.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grudging admiration" to convey a complex emotion where respect exists alongside some form of resentment, disapproval, or envy. This adds depth to character descriptions or analysis of contentious figures.

Common error

Avoid using "grudging admiration" when simple admiration is meant. The 'grudging' aspect is crucial; its absence alters the meaning significantly. Ensure the context implies some resistance or reluctance in acknowledging the admired quality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grudging admiration" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence. As Ludwig confirms, the construction is grammatically sound and widely accepted. Examples show it describing feelings towards individuals, tactics, or even inanimate objects, highlighting a complex emotional response.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Books

11%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grudging admiration" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express a mixed sentiment of respect and reluctance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a versatile expression found frequently in news and media, books, and various other contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates both the positive aspect of admiration and the negative aspect of reluctance or disapproval. Avoid using it when simple admiration is intended. Alternatives such as "reluctant respect" or "unwilling appreciation" can be considered for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begrudging respect

Mirrors the original phrase but emphasizes the negativity associated with the reluctance to respect.

grudging respect

Similar to "grudging admiration", but focuses specifically on respect rather than broader admiration.

reluctant respect

Emphasizes the hesitancy in acknowledging someone's worth or achievement.

reluctant approval

Highlights the forced or unwilling aspect of giving approval.

unwilling appreciation

Highlights the involuntary nature of the positive regard.

qualified approval

Suggests that the approval is not complete or unconditional, with reservations.

hesitant praise

Indicates that the praise is given with some pause or reluctance.

guarded respect

Implies a cautious or reserved form of respect, possibly due to conflicting feelings.

reserved admiration

Suggests admiration that is not openly expressed or fully embraced.

half-hearted admiration

Suggests that the admiration is not sincere or complete.

FAQs

How can I use "grudging admiration" in a sentence?

"Grudging admiration" is used to describe a feeling of respect mixed with reluctance or disapproval. For instance, "Despite their differences, she felt a "grudging admiration" for his tenacity."

What's a good alternative to "grudging admiration"?

Alternatives include "reluctant respect", "unwilling appreciation", or "qualified approval". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "grudging admiration"?

Yes, "grudging admiration" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. The adjective 'grudging' appropriately modifies the noun 'admiration' to indicate a feeling of reluctant respect.

What's the difference between "grudging admiration" and simple "admiration"?

"Admiration" implies a positive feeling of respect and approval. "Grudging admiration", on the other hand, suggests that this feeling is mixed with reluctance, envy, or some form of disapproval. The 'grudging' element adds a layer of complexity.