ad·mire (ād-mīr') v.
ad·mired, ad·mir·ing, ad·mires
v.
tr.
To regard with pleasure, wonder, and approval.
To have a high opinion of; esteem or respect.
Chiefly New England & Upper Southern U.S. To enjoy (something): "I just admire to get letters, but I don't admire to answer them"(Dialect Notes).
Archaic To marvel or wonder at.
v.
intr.New England & Upper Southern U.S. To marvel at something. Often used with at.
[French admirer, from Old French amirer, from Latin admīrārī, to wonder at : ad-, ad- + mīrārī, to wonder (from mīrus, wonderful; see smei- in Indo-European roots).] ad·mir'er n., ad·mir'ing·ly adv.