Adore: meaning, definitions and examples

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adore

[əˈdɔːr ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

expressing love or admiration

To adore means to love or admire someone or something very much. It is a strong feeling of affection and admiration towards someone or something.

Synonyms

idolize, love, worship.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
adore	This word conveys a deep affection and admiration, often used in a romantic context or to express strong fondness for something or someone. I absolutely adore your new dress. She adores her little puppy.
love	A versatile word that can express a range of emotions from deep romantic feelings to a simple liking for something. It can be used in both personal and general contexts. I love you with all my heart. She loves reading books.
idolize	This implies an intense admiration and sometimes a sense of placing someone or something on a pedestal. It's more extreme than simply liking or loving. Many fans idolize movie stars. As a child, he idolized his older brother.
worship	This has a religious connotation, often implying a profound respect and adoration toward a deity. In non-religious contexts, it can suggest excessive praise or admiration, and sometimes it's negative. They worship at the local church every Sunday. He worships his boss, which is a bit excessive.

Examples of usage

I absolutely adore my grandmother, she is the most amazing person in the world.
She adores her little puppy and takes care of him as if he were her own child.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

to worship

To adore can also mean to worship or show reverence for someone or something, especially in a religious context.

Synonyms

revere, venerate, worship.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
adore	Use this word when expressing deep love and affection for someone or something. It is often used in a heartfelt and personal way. I absolutely adore my dog; he is always so happy to see me. She adores spending time with her grandparents.
worship	This word is mainly used in religious contexts to describe acts of reverence and adoration directed towards a deity or sacred entity. It can also imply excessive admiration for someone or something, sometimes with a negative connotation. Every Sunday, the family goes to church to worship together. Some fans worship celebrities to an unhealthy extent.
venerate	Use 'venerate' to describe a profound respect or awe, usually in a religious or moral context. It suggests a high level of esteem and honor. In many cultures, elders are venerated for their wisdom and experience. She venerates the saints and often prays at the temple.
revere	This word is suitable when showing great respect and admiration, often for someone who has achieved a lot or has high status. It is more formal and less personal than 'adore'. Many students revere their professor for his contributions to science. The community reveres the local doctor for his years of dedicated service.

Examples of usage

The ancient Egyptians adored their pharaohs as gods.
They adored the sacred statue with offerings and prayers.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'adorare,' meaning 'to worship or to treat with reverence.'
It shares roots with words in Romance languages, such as 'adorer' in French and 'adorare' in Italian, both meaning to love or worship.
In Middle English, it was used to describe deep love or excessive admiration.

Psychology

Studies show that adoration can trigger the brain's reward system, releasing chemicals that make you feel happy.
People who adore something often experience an emotional connection, leading to increased happiness and well-being.
Adoration can also strengthen relationships, as feeling and expressing love fosters greater intimacy.

Pop Culture

Songs and movies often feature themes of adoration, showcasing the intense feelings between characters.
Celebrities have devoted fan bases, where adoration sometimes blurs the line between admiration and idolization.
In romantic comedies, the concept of adoration is frequently portrayed through grand gestures and declarations of love.

Literature

Many poets express themes of adoration, as seen in works dedicated to beloveds or nature, conveying deep affection.
Classical literature often illustrates characters who personify adoration, highlighting the emotional and psychological complexities of love.
In fairy tales, the bond of adoration often breaks curses or leads to happily-ever-afters.

Philosophy

The concept of adoration is often examined in philosophical discussions about love, such as Plato's idea of 'Platonic love' as an ideal admiration.
In some belief systems, adoration is reserved for divine entities, emphasizing reverence over romantic love.
Philosophers have debated the nature of adoration, questioning whether it is a form of attachment or a more profound appreciation.

Translations

Translations of the word "adore" in other languages:

🇵🇹 adorar

🇮🇳 पूजा करना

🇩🇪 bewundern

🇮🇩 mengagumi

🇺🇦 обожнювати

🇵🇱 uwielbiać

🇯🇵 崇拝する

🇫🇷 adorer

🇪🇸 adorar

🇹🇷 hayran olmak

🇰🇷 숭배하다

🇸🇦 يعشق

🇨🇿 zbožňovat

🇸🇰 zbožňovať

🇨🇳 崇拜

🇸🇮 oboževati

🇮🇸 dýrka

🇰🇿 табыну

🇬🇪 აღფრთოვანება

🇦🇿 heyran olmaq

🇲🇽 adorar

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,318, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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15315 waitress
15316 dizzy
15317 bucks
15318 adore
15319 conjugated
15320 monolithic
15321 typology
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