Ad‐mire″ (�), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Admired (�); p. pr. & vb. n.Admiring (�).] [F. admirer, fr. L. admirari; ad + mirari to wonder, for smirari, akin to Gr. � to smile, Skr. smi, and E. smile.] 1. To regard with wonder or astonishment; to view with surprise; to marvel at.
Examples rather to be admired than imitated.
Fuller.
2. To regard with wonder and delight; to look upon with an elevated feeling of pleasure, as something which calls out approbation, esteem, love, or reverence; to estimate or prize highly; as, to admire a person of high moral worth, to admire a landscape.
Admired as heroes and as gods obeyed.
Pope.
☞ Admire followed by the infinitive is obsolete or colloquial; as, I admire to see a man consistent in his conduct.
Syn. — To esteem; approve; delight in.