What does admired mean?
Admired is the past tense and past participle of the verb 'admire', meaning to regard someone or something with respect, approval, or pleased appreciation. It also functions as an adjective describing a person, work, or quality that enjoys widespread esteem, as in 'an admired novelist' or 'a much admired institution'. The word carries an unambiguously positive connotation and sits comfortably in both everyday speech and formal writing: one might admire a friend's honesty, a colleague's skill, or a building's architecture. In use, 'admired' frequently appears intensified by adverbs such as 'widely', 'deeply', or 'greatly', signalling broad or strong approval. Its emotional force lies in combining two ideas — genuine pleasure in looking at something and respectful recognition of its worth — which distinguishes it from mere liking. Because it expresses esteem without the intensity of 'revered' or the formality of 'esteemed', 'admired' is a versatile and valuable word for conveying earned respect.
Past tense and past participle of 'admire': regarded with respect, approval, or pleased appreciation.
"He admired her ability to stay calm under pressure."
Usually followed by a direct object; commonly used in the passive ('was admired by') to indicate broad esteem.
Held in high regard or esteem; enjoying widespread respect or approval.
"She became one of the most admired figures in modern science."
Every time you say 'admired', you're echoing the Latin word for 'wondering at' — the same root that gave us 'mirror' and 'miracle'.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of admired
Admired derives from the verb 'admire', which entered English in the late sixteenth century from French 'admirer', itself from Latin 'admirari', meaning 'to wonder at', formed from 'ad-' ('at, toward') plus 'mirari' ('to wonder'), from 'mirus' ('wonderful'). The same Latin root produced English cognates such as 'miracle', 'mirror', 'marvel', and 'mirage'. Originally 'admire' carried the stronger sense of astonishment or wonder before settling into its modern sense of respectful approval.
Related word forms
How admired is actually used
As a verb form, 'admired' typically takes a person as subject and a person or work as object ('she admired his courage'). As an adjective it usually appears attributively before a noun ('an admired teacher') or after linking verbs like 'be' or 'become', often intensified by adverbs such as 'widely' or 'deeply'. The register is neutral to slightly formal, and the connotation is consistently positive.
Easily confused with admired
'Admired' describes someone or something that people actually respect or look at with pleasure, while 'admirable' means worthy of admiration even if no one has yet expressed it.