Admirable

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈæd.məɹ.ə.bəl/

Definitions

1. Worthy of respect and approval due to excellent qualities or actions
2. Deserving of high regard and esteem for exhibiting commendable traits or deeds
3. Earning respect and admiration because of outstanding characteristics or actions

Etymology: The adjective in question traces back to the Latin verb "admirari," which means "to admire" or "to wonder at." This verb itself combines the prefix "ad-" (meaning "to" or "towards") with "mirari," meaning "to wonder" or "to be astonished." The root "mirari" is connected to the Latin noun "mirari," derived from "mirari" and related to "miraculum," meaning "a wonder" or "miracle." This lineage highlights an original sense grounded in awe and astonishment. By the late Middle Ages, as Latin evolved into the Romance languages and influenced English, the concept of admiration shifted from mere astonishment to a more evaluative sense—recognizing qualities worthy of respect or praise. The form entered English through Old French, where "admirable" appeared as an adjective describing something deserving of admiration. First recorded in English around the 15th century, the word carried a strong positive connotation, often used in literature and formal speech to denote something or someone outstanding in character or achievement. Over time, its use broadened to include anything that inspires approval, whether for moral virtue, skill, or beauty. The suffix "-able" plays a key role here, transforming the verb "admire" into an adjective to mean "capable of being admired" or "worthy of admiration." This morphological construction is typical of English adjectives borrowed or adapted from Latin and Old French, cementing this term’s role in the language as a descriptor of commendable qualities.

Synonyms: commendable, praiseworthy

Antonyms: disgraceful