Admiring

Part of speech: adjective, verb

Pronunciation: /ædˈmaɪ.ɚ.ɪŋ/

Definitions

  1. To regard someone or something with great respect and approval | To look at something with deep appreciation and approval | To express high esteem and adoration for a person or object
  2. To hold a person or object in high regard and express fascination | To view someone or something with a sense of wonder and respect | To demonstrate esteem and appreciation toward a person or thing
  3. To hold a deep appreciation for someone or something that elicits respect and esteem, while expressing admiration and appreciation for their qualities or abilities

Etymology: The root of this word lies in the Latin verb "admirari," which means "to wonder at" or "to regard with wonder." This verb itself is formed from the prefix "ad-" meaning "to" or "toward," combined with "mirari," meaning "to wonder" or "be astonished." In classical Latin, "admirari" conveyed a sense of marveling or feeling awe toward something impressive or extraordinary. As Latin evolved into the Romance languages and influenced English, many of its verbs were borrowed or adapted. By the late Middle Ages, English had begun to absorb "admire" directly from Old French "admirer," which retained the sense of looking at something with wonder and respect. The verb entered English usage around the 14th century, initially carrying the idea of feeling astonishment or deep respect toward a person or object. Over time, the meaning shifted subtly from an intense sense of wonder to one more closely associated with approval and esteem. This adjustment reflects how admiration generally implies not just surprise but appreciation. The present participle form, which ends with "-ing," came to serve as both a verb form and an adjective. As a verb, it indicates the ongoing act of admiring; as an adjective, it describes someone who feels admiration or expresses approval. The pronunciation /ædˈmaɪ.ɚ.ɪŋ/ preserves the original stress pattern inherited from its Latin and French ancestors, with a clear emphasis on the second syllable. The suffix "-ing" is a standard English gerund or present participle ending, added to the base verb "admire." This formation is typical in English for creating adjectives or verb forms that express continuous action, reflecting the dynamic nature of admiration itself.

Synonyms: appreciative, regarding, approving

Antonyms: disapproving, detesting