adore
UK[əˈdɔː(r)]US[əˈdɔːr]
v
To love and respect someone very much.
v
To like something very much.
Morpheme Breakdown
ad
ore
ad
to
ore
speak, pray
Etymology
The word 'adore' entered English in the late 14th century via Old French 'adorer', which itself came from Latin 'adorare'. This Latin verb is a compound of 'ad-' (to) and 'orare' (to speak, to pray). Its original, literal sense was "to worship, to pay homage to a deity through speech or prayer." Over centuries, the meaning broadened and secularized. The core logic shifted from the physical act of speaking in prayer to the abstract emotional state of deep reverence, eventually evolving into its modern senses of intense love, admiration, or great fondness.
Analysis
Structure: ad (to) + ore (speak, pray)
- ad: Latin prefix meaning 'to', 'toward', indicating direction or addition.
- ore: From Latin root 'orare', meaning 'to speak', 'to plead', 'to pray'.
Examples
She absolutely adores her grandchildren.
He adored classical music from a young age.
They stood in silence, adoring the beautiful sunset.