Are you looking for a way to express your admiration and love for someone in your life? Maybe you want to comment on someone's cute child? You can use "I adore you" to pay them a compliment. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The expression "I adore you" means that you admire or deeply respect someone on an emotional level. It can also be a statement to tell someone that you find them cute. If you adore someone, it can mean that you find them irresistible or cute.
If your friend has a new puppy, you could say "I adore you" when you first meet it to show your approval and voice how you find the animal cute. You could also use it with your partner to let them know that you have a deep sense of love and commitment to them and you worship the ground they walk on.
If you adore something, it could also describe an obsession with someone that doesn't know you exist. For instance, you might say you adore Johnny Depp, even though you live in a different country and he has never heard of you.
It's also a way of telling someone that you trust them and will be happy spending the rest of your life with them. You're saying that you value the contribution they make to your life, and you don't need to search for anyone else.
Example Usage
“Oh, look at Sandra’s daughter dressed up in her fairy Halloween costume. Oh dear, I adore you; you’re just too cute.”
“Thank you for always being there for me, baby. I adore you, and I’ll do anything for you. Thank you for treating me right.”
“Thanks for always being there for me, son. Whenever I got ill, you were there to help me through it. I adore you and appreciate you so much.”
“I adore you, baby. You’re always there when I need you, and I don’t know what I would do with my life if you weren’t around.
“I adore you. You’re such a little cutie. All these kids have such amazing costumes, and they all deserve to win the talent show, but we have to choose a winner.”
“I adore you, my love; I don’t know where we would be without you guiding us through this troubled time in our lives. You are my rock.”
“That’s okay, my little angel. I adore you. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for you; you can always rely on dad.”
Origin
Language experts are unsure about the origin of the expression “I adore you.” To “adore” someone has been around in English since at least the 1300s. However, there is know written record of the origin of “I adore you” in modern speech.
Phrases Similar to I Adore You
- You’re adorable.
- You’re cute.
- I just want to eat you up.
Phrases Opposite to I Adore You
- You’re terrible.
- I don’t like you.
- That’s disgusting.
What is the Correct Saying?
- I adore you.
- You’re adorable.
Ways People May Say I Adore You Incorrectly
The phrase suits use where you're telling someone that you admire their look or role in your life. It's not suitable for sarcastic use.
You also wouldn't use this saying in situations that might be inappropriate. For instance, a grown man telling a three-year-old that they adore their dress might seem off or weird.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase I Adore You
The phrase "I adore you" compliments another person telling them how much you care about them or admire their look. It's a way of saying that you find them cute but not sexually attractive. It can also refer to a feeling of deep appreciation between family members, friends, or romantic partners.
The phrase suits social use. Use it when commenting on the cute new party dress for your friend's three-year-old, or use it with your partner to let them know you love them.