Admire vs. Aspire — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 27, 2024
"Admire" means to regard someone or something with respect or warm approval, while "aspire" involves desiring and striving to achieve something, often influenced by admiration.
Difference Between Admire and Aspire
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Admire is often a passive experience, focusing on feelings of respect and appreciation for qualities, achievements, or abilities seen in others or in artistic works. Whereas, aspire is active, involving personal ambitions and the drive to reach specific goals.
People typically admire qualities or successes that resonate with their values or aesthetic preferences. On the other hand, when people aspire, they are setting goals or benchmarks for themselves, often inspired by what they admire.
Admire can be fleeting or enduring, depending on the depth of impression something or someone makes. While, aspire usually implies a sustained commitment to achieving long-term objectives.
The act of admiring does not necessarily compel one to action; it can simply be an acknowledgment of excellence or beauty. Whereas, to aspire towards something generally means engaging in practical steps towards achieving that end.
Admire might be felt towards a wide range of entities, such as people, art, landscapes, or achievements. While, aspire is typically more personal and focused, directly relating to one's desires and plans for the future.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Feeling respect or warm approval.
Desiring and working towards a personal goal.
Nature
Emotional, passive.
Motivational, active.
Focus
On others' attributes or achievements.
On one's own future goals or achievements.
Outcome
Appreciation and emotional satisfaction.
Goal-oriented actions and potentially achieving aspirations.
Common Contexts
Art, personal qualities, professional achievements.
Career goals, personal development, educational objectives.
Compare with Definitions
Admire
Feel respect or approval for someone or something.
She admires her teacher's dedication to education.
Aspire
Involves setting goals and planning.
She aspires to open her own business within five years.
Admire
Does not necessarily involve personal ambition.
I admire mountain climbers, but I'd never want to be one.
Aspire
Reflects ambition and determination.
Aspiring to be the best in her field, she pursued advanced studies relentlessly.
Admire
Can lead to feelings of awe or inspiration.
The community admires her tireless charity work.
Aspire
Desire to achieve something significant.
He aspires to become a professional musician.
Admire
Can be inspired by beauty or skill.
He admires the intricate design of the cathedral.
Aspire
To have a great ambition or ultimate goal; desire strongly
Aspired to be a poet.
Admire
Often expressed in praise or commendation.
They admired the chef's skill at the culinary competition.
Aspire
To strive toward an end or condition
Aspiring to great knowledge.
Admire
To regard with pleasure, wonder, and approval
Admired the sculptures at the art museum.
Aspire
(Archaic) To rise high; move upwards.
Admire
To have a high opinion of; esteem or respect
I admired her ability as a violinist.
Aspire
(intransitive) To have a strong desire or ambition to achieve something.
To aspire to / for / after / to do something; to aspire that something happens
He aspires to become a successful doctor.
We aspire that the world will be a better place.
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).
Aspire
To go as high as, to reach the top of (something).
Admire
(Archaic) To marvel or wonder at.
Aspire
To move upward; to be very tall.
Admire
To marvel at something. Often used with at.
Aspire
To desire with eagerness; to seek to attain something high or great; to pant; to long; - followed by to or after, and rarely by at; as, to aspire to a crown; to aspire after immorality.
Aspiring to be gods, if angels fell;Aspiring to be angels, men rebel.
Admire
To be amazed at; to view with surprise; to marvel at.
Aspire
To rise; to ascend; to tower; to soar.
My own breath still foments the fire,Which flames as high as fancy can aspire.
Admire
(transitive) To regard with wonder and delight.
Aspire
To aspire to; to long for; to try to reach; to mount to.
That gallant spirit hath aspired the clouds.
Admire
(transitive) To look upon with an elevated feeling of pleasure, as something which calls out approbation, esteem, love or reverence.
Aspire
Aspiration.
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
Aspire
Have an ambitious plan or a lofty goal
Admire
To regard with wonder or astonishment; to view with surprise; to marvel at.
Examples rather to be admired than imitated.
Aspire
Can be motivated by admiration of others.
Inspired by his mentor, he aspires to excel in science.
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.
Aspire
Focuses on personal growth or achievement.
They aspire to improve their community through volunteer work.
Admire
To wonder; to marvel; to be affected with surprise; - sometimes with at.
To wonder at Pharaoh, and even admire at myself.
Admire
Feel admiration for
Admire
Look at with admiration
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to admire someone?
To admire someone means to hold them in high regard due to their qualities, actions, or accomplishments.
Can admiration turn into aspiration?
Yes, often admiration for someone's achievements or qualities can inspire an individual to set similar goals for themselves.
Can admiration influence one's personal or professional life?
Yes, admiration can serve as a source of motivation and influence personal aspirations, professional choices, and even interpersonal relationships.
What is the difference between admiring and aspiring?
Admiring is appreciating qualities in others, while aspiring involves setting personal goals influenced perhaps by such qualities.
Is it possible to aspire without admiring?
Yes, one can aspire to achieve goals based on personal values or needs that are not necessarily linked to admiration.
How do admiration and aspiration affect personal development?
Admiration can enrich one's understanding of excellence and virtue, while aspiration drives personal effort and achievement toward set goals.
What steps can someone take if they aspire to change careers?
Steps include assessing personal skills and interests, seeking additional training or education, networking in the new field, and possibly starting in an entry-level position to gain relevant experience.
How do people typically express admiration?
People express admiration through compliments, applause, following someone’s work or career, and often by sharing their respect with others.
What are common characteristics that people admire in others?
Commonly admired characteristics include integrity, bravery, creativity, intelligence, compassion, and professionalism.
Can aspirations change over time?
Yes, as individuals grow and their circumstances change, their aspirations can evolve based on new experiences, insights, and priorities.
How do cultural differences affect what people admire or aspire to?
Cultural backgrounds can shape the values and ideals that individuals admire and the goals they set for themselves, reflecting the priorities and norms of their communities.
Is it necessary to have role models to aspire towards something?
While not necessary, having role models can provide a clear vision of what achievements are possible and offer a roadmap of how to reach similar goals.
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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.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
