ad·mire (ăd-mīr')

v., -mired, -mir·ing, -mires.

v.tr.

1. To regard with pleasure, wonder, and approval.
2. To have a high opinion of; esteem or respect.
3. Chiefly New England & Upper Southern U.S. To enjoy (something): "I just admire to get letters, but I don't admire to answer them" (Dialect Notes).
4. Archaic. To marvel or wonder at.

v.intr. New England & Upper Southern U.S.
To marvel at something. Often used with at.

[French admirer, from Old French amirer, from Latin admīrārī, to wonder at : ad-, ad- + mīrārī, to wonder (from mīrus, wonderful).]

admirer ad·mir'er n.
admiringly ad·mir'ing·ly adv.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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