adore
gb/ədˈɔɹ/ us/ədˈɔɹ/
B1
English
~ 8200
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B1
state
1
Love or like very much
To love someone or something very much, or enjoy it a lot.
Usage pattern:
to adore [someone/something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes say *"I adore to do something"* (e.g., *"I adore to swim"*). In natural English, we usually say *"I adore doing something"* (e.g., *"I adore swimming"*) or use a noun: *"I adore this sport."* Another issue is overusing "adore" where simple "like" or "love" is better; "adore" usually sounds stronger and more emotional.
Synonyms
love (Most general word; not as strong or enthusiastic-sounding as "adore" in many contexts.)
|
be crazy about (Informal; emphasizes excited enthusiasm more than deep affection.)
|
dote on (Often used for showing too much or very indulgent love, especially to children or partners.)
Antonyms
hate (Direct emotional opposite, showing very strong dislike.)
|
dislike (General opposite, but weaker than "hate" and usually less emotional than "adore".)
|
detest (Very strong dislike, matching the intensity of "adore" in the opposite direction.)
Collocations
absolutely adore
|really adore
|adore children
|adore chocolate
|adore spending time with [someone]
|adore [someone]'s company
Themes
emotions
|daily life
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I absolutely adore my grandparents and call them every week.
- She adores chocolate and keeps a secret stash in her desk.
- My kids adore their new puppy and won’t leave him alone.
- He clearly adores his wife; you can see it in the way he looks at her.
- They adore traveling together and plan a big trip every summer.
Learner examples
- I adore my little sister.
- She adores her cat and takes many photos of it.
- We adore this cafe because the food is very good.
- He adores playing video games after school.
- They adore their teacher and listen carefully in class.
Verb
formal
C1
action
2
Worship as a god
To pray to and deeply respect someone as a god or holy person.
Usage pattern:
to adore [a god/holy figure]
Common mistake:
Learners may not realize that this religious sense is more formal and is mainly used in religious writing, songs, or ceremonies. In everyday speech about religion, "worship" is usually more common than "adore" for this meaning.
Synonyms
worship (Most direct religious synonym; slightly more common in everyday religious language than "adore".)
|
revere (Stresses deep respect; can be religious or non‑religious, and may sound slightly less intense than "adore".)
|
venerate (Formal and religious; often used for saints or holy objects rather than a main god.)
Antonyms
blaspheme (Religious opposite; to speak or act in a way that shows great lack of respect for God or holy things.)
|
despise (General strong opposite emotion; to feel deep dislike or contempt instead of worship and love.)
Collocations
adore the Lord
|come to adore
|fall down and adore
|adore in prayer
|adore before the altar
Themes
religion
|emotions
Examples
- The pilgrims gathered in the ancient temple to adore the goddess.
- Christians are taught to adore God above all earthly things.
- Many believers knelt in silence to adore the Blessed Sacrament.
- They traveled for days to adore the holy relics kept in the cathedral.
- The hymn invited the congregation to adore the Lord with joyful hearts.
Learner examples
- The people came to the church to adore God.
- In this religion, they adore many different gods.
- They knelt to adore the holy image.
- Some Christians adore Jesus in special prayers.
- The story says the wise men came to adore the baby king.
Grammar
Dictionary form
adore
IPA
GB/ədˈɔɹ/
US/ədˈɔɹ/
Syllables & stress
ad - ore (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ore)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: adore
- 3rd Person Singular: adores
- Present Participle: adoring
- Past: adored
Word family
Expressions
adore the ground [someone] walks on
1/ədˈɔɹ ðə ɡɹˈaʊnd sˈʌmwˌʌn wˈɔks ˈɔn/
idiom
informal
Love someone extremely and blindly
To love and admire someone so much that you think they are perfect and can do nothing wrong.
Examples
- He absolutely adores the ground she walks on and does anything she asks.
- When they first got married, she seemed to adore the ground he walked on.
- You shouldn’t adore the ground anyone walks on; everyone has faults.