Core Definition
Adore is a verb meaning to love someone or something deeply, often with strong affection, warmth, or emotional attachment.
Key Examples
I adore my children.
She adores her grandmother.
They adore spending time together.
He adores classical music.
Part of Speech
Verb
Pronunciation
UK IPA: /əˈdɔː/
US IPA: /əˈdɔːr/
Stress falls on the second syllable: a-DORE.
Frequency & Register
CEFR: B1–C1
Register: informal to neutral; common in spoken English and expressive writing
Conceptual Word Family
adore (verb) — love deeply
adoration (noun) — deep love or devotion
adoring (adjective) — showing deep affection
adorable (adjective) — inspiring affection
Adore emphasizes emotion, not evaluation.
Extended Meaning
Depending on context, adore may express:
deep affection (for people)
enthusiastic liking (for activities or things)
devotional feeling (rare, formal or religious use)
In modern usage, it often conveys warm enthusiasm rather than seriousness.
Usage Insight
Adore is stronger than like but less formal than love.
Unlike admire, it is emotional rather than evaluative.
Unlike worship, it is personal and informal.
It often carries warmth, not distance.
It is especially common in spoken English.
Grammar Notes
Adore is a transitive verb and is used directly with an object.
Example:
She adores her dog.
Patterns
adore + noun / gerund
adore music
adore working with children
adore someone for + noun (less common)
She adores him for his kindness.
Collocations
adore someone
absolutely adore
really adore
adore the idea
adore spending time
These collocations are common in expressive language.
When NOT to Use This Word
Avoid adore in formal or professional evaluation.
✗ I adore your proposal.
✓ I appreciate your proposal.
Do not use it where respect, not affection, is intended.
✗ I adore his professionalism.
✓ I admire his professionalism.
Dialogues
Everyday
A: Do you enjoy this place?
B: Yes, I adore it.
Informal / Social
A: You spend so much time with her.
B: I know — I absolutely adore her.
Professional
A: How do you feel about the project overall?
B: I like it, but I wouldn’t say I adore it.
Reflective
A: Why do you keep returning to this work?
B: Over time, I realized I truly adore the process itself.
Expressive
A: You never seem tired of it.
B: That’s because I adore every part of what I do.
Stories
She adored the quiet moments in the morning, when the city had not yet fully woken. Those brief minutes felt personal and calm, giving her a sense of comfort before the day began.
He adored his younger sister and showed it through small, consistent actions rather than words. He walked her to school, listened patiently to her worries, and protected her without making it obvious. His affection was steady and natural, growing stronger through everyday care.
Over time, she realized that her connection to her work went far beyond enjoyment. She adored the process itself — the challenges, the long hours, and even the moments of doubt. That deep affection kept her engaged when progress was slow and recognition was absent. Because she adored what she did, persistence felt natural, and commitment came not from obligation, but from genuine attachment.
Mini Test
Fill in the blank:
I ________ spending time with them.
Answer: adore
Choose the correct word:
She ________ her mentor. (adores / admires)
Answer: adores
True or False: Adore is commonly used in formal reports.
Answer: False
Write one sentence using adore naturally.
Sample answer: I adore how simple the design feels.
Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms
love — strong affection
cherish — hold dear
be fond of — feel affection
treasure — value deeply
Antonyms
dislike — feel aversion
detest — strongly dislike
ignore — show no interest
resent — feel bitterness
Semantic Field
adore vs. like
Like expresses preference.
Adore expresses strong affection or enthusiasm.
adore vs. love
Love can imply deep attachment, commitment, or seriousness.
Adore is often warmer, lighter, and more expressive.
adore vs. admire
Admire is based on evaluation and respect.
Adore is based on emotion and affection.
adore vs. worship
Worship implies devotion or reverence, often formal or religious.
Adore is personal, human, and informal.
FAQ
Is adore stronger than like?
Yes. Adore expresses strong affection or enthusiasm, not simple preference.
Is adore the same as love?
No. Love can be deeper and more serious, while adore often sounds warmer, lighter, or more expressive.
Can you adore things, not just people?
Yes. Activities, places, ideas, and routines are commonly described with adore.
Does adore always sound exaggerated?
Not always, but in casual speech it can add emotional emphasis, so tone and context matter.
Conclusion
Adore expresses warmth, attachment, and enthusiasm. It is the language of affection rather than judgment, showing how deeply someone enjoys or loves something.
“To adore is to respond with warmth, not analysis — to feel closeness without weighing value.“