Admiration is a feeling of deep respect and approval for someone or something. It often comes from noticing skill, beauty, courage, or goodness.
From Latin 'admiratio', meaning 'wonder or astonishment', from 'admirari' (to wonder at). It started as a sense of amazed surprise, then grew into respectful appreciation.
Admiration began as 'being filled with wonder', which is why it feels bigger than just liking something. True admiration slightly shocks you—you didn’t expect that level of skill, kindness, or courage.
Admiration has often been gendered: men were admired for achievements and power, while women were admired for beauty, kindness, or supportiveness. This shaped whose work was publicly admired and whose was taken for granted.
Be explicit about admiring people for their skills, achievements, and character across all genders, not just for stereotyped traits.
["respect","esteem","regard"]
Women in science, arts, and activism have frequently received admiration only belatedly; naming and admiring their contributions helps correct historical erasure.
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