Admire

v.thoughtful, kindwarm

What it means

To feel warm respect or appreciative pleasure toward someone or something.

Reach for it when expressing esteem that may include both character and ability

Rosa admires how Lena asks for evidence without making anyone feel foolish.

everyday
praise
the admiration needs to be expressed in words
not when One can admire silently, while praise requires outward approval.
everyday
respect
esteem for character, ability, or boundaries is central
not when Respect can exist without the warm pleasure or aspiration of admiration.
warm
appreciate
recognizing value or effort is more important than looking up to someone
not when Appreciation is gentler and may not imply elevated regard.
warm
cherish
deep personal affection and treasured attachment are intended
not when It is too intimate for professional esteem or distant admiration.
professional
applaud
you openly approve a specific action or decision
not when Applause praises the act, not necessarily the person as a whole.
professional
value
importance or usefulness is what you want to recognize
not when A contribution can matter greatly without inspiring admiration for its creator.
formal
esteem
high regard should sound measured and dignified
not when The formal word can feel emotionally distant in a personal message.
literary
revere
profound, almost solemn respect is truly appropriate
not when Ordinary admiration should not be raised to reverence.

deeply admire
The apprentices deeply admire the patience she brings to difficult conversations.
admire the courage
People admire the courage it took to change direction publicly.
much admired
Her calm fairness made her a much admired referee.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.