Understanding Admiration: Definition, Synonyms, and Usage
admiration – Definition and Part of Speech
Admiration is a noun that describes a feeling of respect and approval often accompanied by wonder or pleasure at someone’s abilities, qualities, or achievements. It encompasses both emotional and intellectual appreciation.
The word “admiration” doesn’t have significant grammatical variations like verbs do (e.g., “to admire” vs. “admired”), but it can appear in different forms such as adjective (admirable) or noun derived from the verb form.
Core Synonyms
Below is a table of synonyms for admiration with their definitions, nuances, example sentences, and appropriate style/register:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appreciation | A general feeling of gratitude or recognition; can be less intense than admiration. | “She expressed her appreciation for the team’s hard work.” | Formal/Casual |
| Esteem | Respecting and honoring someone for their qualities, often implying a longer-term regard. | “The community holds the philanthropist in high esteem.” | Formal/Informal |
| Reverence | A deep respect mixed with awe, typically reserved for something sacred or venerable. | “The ceremony was conducted with reverence and solemnity.” | Formal/Serious |
| Adulation | Excessive admiration that can imply idolization or over-the-top praise. | “His adulation of the celebrity bordered on fanaticism.” | Informal/Critical |
| Respect | General regard for someone’s abilities, qualities, or achievements; broader than admiration. | “She has great respect for her mentor’s experience and wisdom.” | Formal/Informal |
| Veneration | Deep respect tinged with awe, often for someone older or of high status. | “The villagers venerated the elderly as keepers of tradition.” | Formal/Serious |
Usage Notes
Each synonym offers a slight variation in meaning and tone:
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Appreciation is versatile, used frequently both in personal expressions and professional acknowledgments. It’s suitable for expressing gratitude with a sense of warmth.
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Esteem is often utilized when respect is based on sustained observation or interaction, making it apt for describing long-standing admiration.
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Reverence implies a level of awe and is best used when discussing individuals or things that inspire profound respect, such as religious figures or cultural monuments.
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Adulation, due to its connotation of excess, should be employed with caution. It’s ideal in contexts where you wish to critique overly enthusiastic praise.
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Respect serves as a broad term for acknowledgment and approval, suitable across various settings from casual conversations to formal writings.
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Veneration is used when admiration includes an element of awe or sacredness, often reserved for historical figures or elders.
Common Pitfalls
A frequent misunderstanding arises between admiration and its synonyms due to their overlapping meanings. For instance:
- Using adulation instead of admiration can imply undue praise, which might not be your intention.
- Confusing veneration with general respect could overstate the level of reverence intended.
It’s crucial to consider both context and intensity when choosing these words to accurately convey the sentiment you wish to express.
Final Recap
Admiration is a rich noun capturing feelings of approval and wonder, often used in contexts involving admiration for someone’s qualities or achievements. Synonyms like appreciation, esteem, reverence, adulation, respect, and veneration provide nuanced alternatives based on context, intensity, and formality. By understanding these differences, you can enhance your expressive range in both writing and speaking.
Encourage yourself to practice using these synonyms in various contexts, whether composing a business email, engaging in academic discussions, or crafting creative narratives. Experiment with sentences like:
- “Her appreciation for the artwork was evident in her thoughtful comments.”
- “The professor earned our esteem over many years of dedicated service.”
By actively applying these words, you’ll deepen your understanding and enhance your communication skills.