Ad*mire" (#), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Admired (#); p. pr. & vb. n. Admiring (#).] [F. admirer, fr. L. admirari; ad + mirari to wonder, for smirari, akin to Gr. to smile, Skr. smi, and E. smile.]
1.
To regard with wonder or astonishment; to view with surprise; to marvel at.
[Archaic]
Examples rather to be admired than imitated.
Fuller.
2.
To regard with wonder and delight; to look upon with an elevated feeling of pleasure, as something which calls out approbation, esteem, love, or reverence; to estimate or prize highly; as, to admire a person of high moral worth, to admire a landscape.
Admired as heroes and as gods obeyed.
Pope.
⇒ Admire followed by the infinitive is obsolete or colloquial; as, I admire to see a man consistent in his conduct.
Syn. -- To esteem; approve; delight in.
© Webster 1913.
Ad*mire", v. i.
To wonder; to marvel; to be affected with surprise; -- sometimes with at.
To wonder at Pharaoh, and even admire at myself.
Fuller.
© Webster 1913.