Admiring

Admiring is the act of regarding someone or something with respect, approval, or pleasure. It can function as a present participle of the verb admire, as in "She is admiring the artwork," and as an attributive adjective, as in "an admiring crowd." The related noun is admiration. The term derives from the Latin admirari, via Old French admirer, and has been in use in English since the 14th century.

Admiration is commonly directed toward qualities such as skill, beauty, virtue, or achievement. It can be expressed publicly or privately and can motivate imitation, study, or aspiration. People may admire individuals, groups, ideas, or cultural artifacts. Cultural norms influence how openly admiration is expressed, what is admired, and whom or what is deemed worthy of praise.

In psychology, admiration is considered a positive, approach-oriented emotion that can encourage learning and pro-social motivation. However, it can also lead to idealization or uncritical deference if not tempered by critical evaluation.

See also: admire, admiration, respect, adoration, awe.