Respect vs. Admire — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 21, 2024
Respect is acknowledging the worth or dignity of someone or something, often based on societal or moral standards; admiration involves higher esteem, usually for someone's abilities or achievements.
Difference Between Respect and Admire
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Respect is a fundamental social virtue that involves recognizing and valuing the rights, beliefs, and practices of others, essential for maintaining harmony and social order. On the other hand, admiration is more about personal feelings of wonder and high regard for someone's qualities, skills, or accomplishments.
Respect can be offered to anyone as a basic level of decency and acknowledgment of their humanity or role, regardless of one’s personal feelings towards them. Whereas admiration is generally reserved for those who have achieved something noteworthy or possess qualities that one personally finds exceptional or inspiring.
While respect can be considered an obligation or duty in many social and professional settings, admiration is optional and stems from a deeper personal connection or aspirational interest in the person being admired.
Respect often requires a certain restraint or formality in interactions, emphasizing politeness and consideration. On the other hand, admiration can lead to more expressive and enthusiastic behaviors, often showcasing a desire to emulate or affiliate with the admired person.
In terms of hierarchy, respect is often expected to be reciprocal in most social interactions, reflecting equality and mutual acknowledgment. Meanwhile, admiration can be unidirectional, typically flowing from those who aspire or look up to those who inspire them.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Acknowledgment of someone’s worth
High regard for someone’s abilities or qualities
Basis
Moral or societal standards
Personal feelings and evaluations
Reciprocity
Often reciprocal
Usually unidirectional
Required vs. Optional
Often considered a social obligation
Generally optional and personal
Expression
Polite, restrained
Enthusiastic, expressive
Compare with Definitions
Respect
Consideration for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of others.
She showed respect by listening quietly while others spoke.
Admire
Take pleasure in contemplating something.
Visitors stopped to admire the view.
Respect
The state of being admired or held in esteem.
Her integrity commands great respect.
Admire
Regard with respect or warm approval.
She admired her friend for volunteering so much of her time.
Respect
Adherence to ethical and moral principles.
He gained respect for his fair handling of disputes.
Admire
Recognize the full worth of.
She admired the way the team worked together seamlessly.
Respect
A feeling of deep admiration for someone elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements.
He has a profound respect for musicians who write their own songs.
Admire
Feel admiration for someone or something.
He always admired people who could speak multiple languages.
Respect
Polite behavior towards someone important.
The cadets saluted the general out of respect.
Admire
Express a favorable judgment.
He admired her decision to go back to school.
Respect
Respect, also called esteem, is a positive feeling or action shown towards someone or something considered important or held in high esteem or regard. It conveys a sense of admiration for good or valuable qualities.
Admire
To regard with pleasure, wonder, and approval
Admired the sculptures at the art museum.
Respect
A feeling of appreciative, often deferential regard; esteem
I have great respect for your work.
Admire
To have a high opinion of; esteem or respect
I admired her ability as a violinist.
Respect
The state of being regarded with honor or esteem
A leader held in the greatest respect.
Admire
Chiefly New England & Upper Southern US To enjoy (something)
"I just admire to get letters, but I don't admire to answer them" (Dialect Notes).
Respect
Consideration or appreciation
Can't you at least give me some respect?.
Admire
(Archaic) To marvel or wonder at.
Respect
Due regard for something considered important or authoritative
Respect for the law.
Admire
To marvel at something. Often used with at.
Respect
A particular aspect, feature, or detail
In many respects this is an important decision.
Admire
To be amazed at; to view with surprise; to marvel at.
Respect
Usage Problem Relation; reference. See Usage Note at regard.
Admire
(transitive) To regard with wonder and delight.
Respect
To feel or show deferential regard for; esteem or admire
All the other scholars respect her.
Admire
(transitive) To look upon with an elevated feeling of pleasure, as something which calls out approbation, esteem, love or reverence.
Respect
To avoid interfering with or intruding upon
Please respect my privacy.
Admire
(transitive) To estimate or value highly; to hold in high esteem.
To admire a person of high moral worth
He had always admired the work ethos and family values of his friend.
To admire a landscape
Respect
To avoid violating
I respected the speed limit throughout the trip.
Admire
To regard with wonder or astonishment; to view with surprise; to marvel at.
Examples rather to be admired than imitated.
Respect
To relate or refer to; concern
As respects the rights of land owners, this law says nothing.
Admire
To regard with wonder and delight; to look upon with an elevated feeling of pleasure, as something which calls out approbation, esteem, love, or reverence; to estimate or prize highly; as, to admire a person of high moral worth, to admire a landscape.
Admired as heroes and as gods obeyed.
Respect
(uncountable) an attitude of consideration or high regard
He is an intellectual giant, and I have great respect for him.
We do respect people for their dignity and worth.
Admire
To wonder; to marvel; to be affected with surprise; - sometimes with at.
To wonder at Pharaoh, and even admire at myself.
Respect
(uncountable) good opinion, honor, or admiration
Admire
Feel admiration for
Respect
Polite greetings, often offered as condolences after a death.
The mourners paid their last respects to the deceased poet.
Admire
Look at with admiration
Respect
(countable) a particular aspect, feature or detail of something
This year's model is superior to last year's in several respects.
Respect
Good will; favor
Respect
To have respect for.
She is an intellectual giant, and I respect her greatly.
Respect
To have regard for something, to observe a custom, practice, rule or right.
I respect your right to hold that belief, although I think it is nonsense.
I respect your right to feel offended, even though most people, myself included, totally disagree and don’t find the comment offensive in the slightest.
Respect
To abide by an agreement.
They failed to respect the treaty they had signed, and invaded.
Respect
To take notice of; to regard as worthy of special consideration; to heed.
Respect
To relate to; to be concerned with.
Respect
(obsolete) To regard; to consider; to deem.
Respect
(obsolete) To look toward; to face.
Respect
(Jamaica) hello, hi
Respect
To consider worthy of esteem; to regard with honor.
Respect
To look toward; to front upon or toward.
Palladius adviseth the front of his house should so respect the uth.
Respect
To regard; to consider; to deem.
To whom my father gave this name of Gaspar,And as his own respected him to death.
Respect
To have regard to; to have reference to; to relate to; as, the treaty particularly respects our commerce.
Respect
The act of noticing with attention; the giving particular consideration to; hence, care; caution.
But he it well did ward with wise respect.
Respect
Esteem; regard; consideration; honor.
Seen without awe, and served without respect.
The same men treat the Lord's Day with as little respect.
Respect
An expression of respect of deference; regards; as, to send one's respects to another.
Respect
Reputation; repute.
Many of the best respect in Rome.
Respect
Particular; point regarded; point of view; as, in this respect; in any respect; in all respects.
Everything which is imperfect, as the world must be acknowledged in many respects.
In one respect I'll be thy assistant.
Respect
Relation; reference; regard.
They believed but one Supreme Deity, which, with respect to the various benefits men received from him, had several titles.
Respect
Consideration; motive; interest.
To the publik goodPrivate respects must yield.
Respect
(usually preceded by `in') a detail or point;
It differs in that respect
Respect
The condition of being honored (esteemed or respected or well regarded);
It is held in esteem
A man who has earned high regard
Respect
An attitude of admiration or esteem;
She lost all respect for him
Respect
A courteous expression (by word or deed) of esteem or regard;
His deference to her wishes was very flattering
Be sure to give my respects to the dean
Respect
Behavior intended to please your parents;
Their children were never very strong on obedience
He went to law school out of respect for his father's wishes
Respect
A feeling of friendship and esteem;
She mistook his manly regard for love
He inspires respect
Respect
Courteous regard for people's feelings;
In deference to your wishes
Out of respect for his privacy
Respect
Regard highly; think much of;
I respect his judgement
We prize his creativity
Respect
Show respect towards;
Honor your parents!
Common Curiosities
Is admiration more emotional than respect?
Yes, admiration typically involves personal feelings of wonder and high regard, making it more emotional compared to the often formal nature of respect.
Can admiration turn into respect?
Yes, admiration can lead to respect, especially if the qualities admired align with one’s moral or societal values.
How does one show respect?
Respect can be shown through polite behavior, listening attentively, and acknowledging others’ rights and positions.
What is the key difference between respect and admiration?
Respect is about acknowledging worth or dignity, often out of social or moral duty, while admiration involves personal esteem for someone’s abilities or achievements.
How can workplaces foster respect and admiration?
Workplaces can foster respect and admiration by promoting ethical behavior, recognizing achievements, and encouraging mutual regard among employees.
How does social media influence respect and admiration?
Social media can amplify expressions of admiration but also pose challenges to respect due to anonymity and the ease of spreading disrespect.
What are some common reasons for admiring someone?
People often admire others for their talents, achievements, resilience, or the way they conduct themselves.
How do children learn respect and admiration?
Children learn respect and admiration through observation and instruction from parents, educators, and significant others in their lives.
What role do respect and admiration play in leadership?
Effective leadership often depends on both earning the respect and admiration of followers through integrity, competence, and inspirational qualities.
Can you respect someone without admiring them?
Yes, one can respect someone's position or rights without necessarily admiring their personal qualities or actions.
Can lack of respect undermine admiration?
Yes, a lack of respect can diminish admiration, especially if disrespectful behaviors contradict the admired qualities.
Are respect and admiration important in educational settings?
In education, both respect and admiration are crucial; respect maintains a conducive learning environment, and admiration can inspire students and teachers alike.
Do cultural differences affect how respect and admiration are expressed?
Yes, cultural norms heavily influence how respect and admiration are shown and perceived in different societies.
Is it important to both respect and admire someone in a relationship?
While both can enrich a relationship, respect is generally more essential for maintaining a healthy and equitable relationship.
Why is respect considered a universal value?
Respect is foundational to social order and interpersonal harmony, making it a universally valued virtue.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
