admirer

UK: ədˈmaɪərə | US: ədˈmaɪərər

Definition
  1. n. a person who admires someone or something

  2. n. (archaic) a suitor or lover

Structure
admire <to regard with wonder>er <agent noun suffix>
Etymology

The word "admirer" combines the verb "admire," derived from Latin admirari ("to wonder at," from ad- "at" + mirari "to wonder"), with the English agent suffix "-er." Originally, "admire" implied awe or astonishment (16th century), later narrowing to esteem or approval. The "-er" suffix (from Old English -ere) systematically forms nouns denoting agents, giving "admirer" its modern sense of "one who admires."

Examples
  1. She has been a devoted admirer of classical music since childhood.

  2. The artist smiled at his young admirer who asked for an autograph.

  3. In the novel, the protagonist becomes a secret admirer of his neighbor.

  4. Critics and admirers alike praised the director’s latest film.

  5. He sent flowers anonymously, playing the role of a mysterious admirer.