'admire' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'admirari,' where 'ad-' meant 'toward' and 'mirari' meant 'to wonder at.'

'admirari' transformed into the Old French word 'admirer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'admire' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to wonder at or regard with astonishment,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to regard with respect or warm approval.'