What is admire? Pronunciation and usage in English

admire means . Learn how to pronounce and use admire through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of admire

admireverb

/ədˈmʌɪə/
Definition & pronunciation of admire

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "admire":

IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) Pronunciation:

/ædˈmaɪər/

Let's break that down:

  • /æd/ - This part sounds like "ed" as in "bed." It's a short, quick "ed."
  • ˈmaɪ/ - This is the stressed syllable. "my" is pronounced like the feeling of having something or someone close to your heart. The 'ma' makes a short, quick sound.
  • er/ - This is the "er" sound, like in "her" or "stir."

How it sounds in English:

It's roughly: "Ed-my-er"

Here's a little more detail:

  • "Ed" is short and quick. Don't over-emphasize it.
  • "My" is the key. Focus on the feeling and the slightly open vowel sound.
  • "Er" is just a simple, short "r" sound.

Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it! Here are some good resources:

    • Google Search: Type "how to pronounce admire" into Google and it will often have audio clips.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/%25admire%25 - This website has pronunciations by native speakers.
    • YouTube: Search YouTube for "how to pronounce admire" - you'll find many videos.

  • Record yourself: Record yourself saying the word and compare it to a native speaker’s pronunciation.

To help me tailor my advice further, would you like me to:

  • Provide a more detailed explanation of a particular sound?
  • Give you some example sentences you can practice saying?

Usage and examples with the word admire in English

Let's break down how to use the word "admire" effectively in English. It's a versatile word with a range of nuances!

1. Core Meaning: To Respect and Value

At its most basic, "admire" means to feel a deep respect and appreciation for someone or something. It’s more than just liking something; it's about recognizing its qualities and valuing them.

2. How to Use "Admire" – Common Structures & Examples

  • Admire + Person: This is the most frequent use.

    • "I admire her courage." (I respect her for being brave.)
    • "He admired her intelligence and wit." (He appreciated her smarts and humor.)
    • "We admire our teachers for their dedication." (We appreciate their commitment.)
    • "She admired the actor’s performance." (She thought the actor was excellent.)

  • Admire + Thing (Object, Skill, Creation):

    • "I admire the beauty of that painting." (I appreciate its aesthetic quality.)
    • “I admire his craftsmanship.” (I appreciate the skill and quality of his work.)
    • “She admired the intricate details of the clock.” (She appreciated the complexity and artistry.)
    • “I admire his skill at playing the guitar.” (I appreciate his talent.)

  • Phrases using "Admire":

    • "I admire greatly…": (Emphasizes a strong feeling) - “I admire greatly her dedication to charity.”
    • "I admire you for…": (Expresses respect for a specific action) - “I admire you for standing up for what's right.”
    • "I admire your… (quality)": - “I admire your resilience.” "I admire your honesty.”

3. Nuances and Related Words

  • Intense Admire (Worship): In some contexts, “admire” can border on worship, especially when talking about a celebrity or a figure of great admiration. "I worship her talent." (This is a stronger, more fervent feeling).

  • Appreciate: "Admire" and "appreciate" are often used interchangeably, but "appreciate" is generally about recognizing the value or benefit of something. "I appreciate your help." (I'm grateful for your assistance.)

  • Respect: "Admire" often involves respect, but respect can also be based on authority or social conventions. "I respect her opinion." (I hold her views in high regard, even if I don’t agree.)

4. Sentence Examples – Varying Contexts

  • Formal: "The critic admired the novel's masterful use of symbolism."
  • Informal: “I really admire how you handled that situation!”
  • Describing a Skill: “He admired her ability to juggle five balls at once.”
  • Expressing Gratitude: “I admire your willingness to volunteer your time.”

5. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Respect
  • Esteem
  • Appreciate
  • Cherish
  • Hold in high regard
  • Marvel at

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to use "admire" in? (e.g., a writing assignment, a conversation, a personal reflection?)
  • What are you trying to admire? (e.g., a person, a skill, an object?)

Synonyms for the word admire

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