Admire vs. Adore: What's the Difference?
Edited by Janet White || By Harlon Moss || Published on November 14, 2023
Admire refers to regard with respect, approval, or warm esteem. Adore refers to love deeply and intensely, often with reverence.
Key Differences
Admire generally implies respect or approval for someone's abilities, qualities, or achievements, often from a certain distance or objectivity. Adore, in contrast, suggests a deep, emotional, and often more personal attachment or love.
While admiration can exist without a personal relationship, adoration usually implies a closer emotional connection, often bordering on devotion. Admiration can be felt for someone's skill or talent, whereas adoration is typically directed at the whole person.
Admire can be applied in professional or impersonal contexts, like admiring an artist's work or a leader's decisions. Adore is more intimate, often used in the context of close relationships or profound affection.
The intensity of emotion differs; admire may denote a cooler, more intellectual appreciation, whereas adore conveys warmth, deep affection, and often a sense of cherishing.
Admire often entails a sense of aspiration or inspiration, perhaps wanting to emulate admired qualities. Adore is less about aspiration and more about deep emotional investment and attachment.
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Comparison Chart
Emotional Depth
Respect or approval
Deep, intense love
Relationship
Can exist without personal relationship
Implies closeness or personal attachment
Context of Use
Professional, impersonal, or general
Intimate, close relationships
Intensity of Emotion
Cooler, intellectual appreciation
Warm, deep affection
Connotation
Aspiration, inspiration
Devotion, cherishing
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Admire and Adore Definitions
Admire
To regard with respect.
I admire her dedication to her work.
Adore
To cherish deeply.
He adores his wife and always puts her first.
Admire
To feel approval or esteem.
She admires the way he handles difficult situations.
Adore
To revere or worship.
Many adore their spiritual leaders.
Admire
To look at with pleasure.
They stopped to admire the beautiful landscape.
Adore
To be very fond of.
She adores spending time at the beach.
Admire
To have a high opinion of.
He admires the author's unique writing style.
Adore
To love intensely.
She adores her children more than anything.
Admire
To consider exemplary or worthy of emulation.
Young athletes admire their sports heroes.
Adore
To hold in high regard or affection.
They adore their grandparents and visit often.
Admire
To regard with pleasure, wonder, and approval
Admired the sculptures at the art museum.
Adore
To worship as God or a god.
Admire
To have a high opinion of; esteem or respect
I admired her ability as a violinist.
Adore
To love (someone) deeply and devotedly.
FAQs
Does adoration imply a deeper connection than admiration?
Yes, adoration usually indicates a deeper, more emotional attachment.
Is admiration always based on qualities or skills?
Often, but one can also admire someone's personality or character.
Can you admire an object or a concept?
Yes, admiration can be directed at inanimate objects, artworks, or ideas.
Can adoration be unhealthy?
Excessive adoration can become obsessive or idolizing, which can be unhealthy.
Can you admire and adore someone simultaneously?
Yes, it's possible to both admire and adore the same person.
Can you admire someone you've never met?
Absolutely, you can admire public figures, historical personalities, etc.
Is admiration a more common feeling than adoration?
Generally, yes, since admiration can be felt in a wider range of contexts.
Can adoration fade over time?
Yes, feelings of adoration can change or diminish over time.
Is adoration usually reciprocal?
Not necessarily, but it often occurs in close, loving relationships.
Does adoring someone always mean romantic love?
Not always; it can also signify deep platonic affection.
Can adoration exist in friendships?
Yes, friends can adore each other deeply.
Does admiration imply equality or hierarchy?
It can imply both, depending on the context and the individuals involved.
Can admiration lead to professional growth?
Yes, admiring and learning from others can contribute to professional development.
Is it common to admire someone's achievements?
Yes, achievements are often a common source of admiration.
Is admiration a basis for mentorship?
Often, mentorship relationships begin with admiration for someone's expertise.
Can adoration be expressed through actions?
Absolutely, actions often speak louder than words in expressing adoration.
Is it flattering to be admired?
Generally, yes, most people find it flattering to be admired.
Is adoration a common theme in literature and art?
Yes, adoration is a frequent subject in various forms of artistic expression.
Can you admire a person's resilience or strength?
Certainly, resilience and strength are admirable qualities.
Does adoring someone require knowing them well?
Typically, adoration develops with deep knowledge and understanding of a person.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
