Emily Dickinson Lexicon

AD-MI-RA'TION, n.

Wonder mingled with pleasing emotions, as approbation, esteem, love or veneration; a compound emotion excited by something novel, rare, great, or excellent; applied to persons and their works. It often includes a slight degree of surprise. Thus, we view the solar system with admiration. Very near to admiration is the wish to admire. – Anon. It has been sometimes used in an ill sense, denoting wonder with disapprobation. Your boldness I with admiration see. – Dryden. When I saw her I wondered with great admiration. – Luke xvii.