Definition of admire

The word "admire" has its roots in Old French "admirer", which means "to wonder at" or "to be amazed". This stem is believed to have derived from the Latin word "mirari", which means "to wonder at" or "to be astonished". In the 14th century, the Old French "admirer" entered the English language as a verb, initially meaning "to regard with wonder or astonishment". Over time, the meaning shifted to encompass a sense of respect, esteem, and appreciation, as in "to have a high opinion of" or "to regard with admiration". In modern English, "admire" can be used in a variety of contexts, including to express appreciation for someone's skills, talents, or accomplishments, or to appreciate something's beauty, quality, or excellence. The word has evolved to convey a sense of positive sentiment and reverence.