admiration
UK[ˌæd.mɪˈreɪ.ʃən]US[ˌæd.məˈreɪ.ʃən]
n
A feeling of respect and warm approval for someone or something.
n
The act of looking at something with pleasure.
Morpheme Breakdown
ad
mir
ation
ad
to
mir
to wonder at, admire
ation
Etymology
The word 'admiration' has a clear lineage from the Latin verb 'mirari', meaning 'to wonder at, be astonished'. The prefix 'ad-' intensifies this, directing the sense 'toward' wonder. In classical Latin, 'admiratio' primarily denoted wonder or astonishment, often at something extraordinary. Over time, through French influence, the meaning softened and specialized in English, shifting from passive astonishment to the active, positive sentiment of respectful approval and pleasure we recognize today. The core logic remains one of looking upon something with a sense of marvel.
Analysis
Structure: ad + mir + ation
ad: Latin prefix meaning 'to' or 'toward', indicating direction or addition.
mir: Latin root from 'mirari', meaning 'to wonder at, admire'.
ation: Latin-derived suffix forming nouns of action or state.
Examples
She gazed at the painting with obvious admiration.
His courage earned him the admiration of his colleagues.
I have nothing but admiration for the work they do.