What Does “I Adore You” Mean?

PDF download Download Article
Uncover the possibilities of this friendly or flirtatious phrase
PDF download Download Article

So, someone recently told you they adore you, and now you’re left scratching your head. Does this mean they love you? If your friend said it, could they be hitting on you? These are all valid questions, especially from such a confusing phrase! Generally, “I adore you” means someone cares deeply for you, whether that’s romantically or platonically. In this article, we’ll break down the meaning of “I adore you” and explain how it can be used in different contexts (with examples) and how you can respond.

Things You Should Know

  • “I adore you” is an affectionate phrase that shows respect or admiration.
  • “I adore you” can be used platonically or romantically, so it’s important to consider the context of the conversation and who you’re talking to.
  • Respond to “I adore you” by expressing gratitude or repeating the phrase back to them.
Section 1 of 3:

“I Adore You” Definition

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/43\/I-Adore-You-Meaning-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-I-Adore-You-Meaning-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/43\/I-Adore-You-Meaning-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-I-Adore-You-Meaning-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This phrase can be used romantically or platonically to say, “Hey, I care deeply about you” or “I respect you.” [1] For instance, a friend may use the phrase after you do something silly in a joking manner, or a significant other may say it while you’re on a date. Overall, “I adore you” means someone cares deeply for you and wants to show their admiration or love.
    • Pay close attention to the context in which “I adore you” is used. If your crush says it with a wink, they’re likely hitting on you. If a friend says it after you do them a favor, they’re probably just saying thanks. Take a look at these examples:
    • In a romantic context:
      • I adore you more than words could ever describe. You mean the world to me.
      • I adore everything about you. Your kind heart. Your mesmerizing eyes. Everything.
      • Sally, I adore you. Let’s never leave each other’s sides.
    • In a platonic context:
      • I’m so grateful to have you in my life—I adore you!
      • Sam, you’re a gem! I adore you for this!
      • I adore my sister. She means the world to me.
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 3:

Does “I adore you” mean “I love you”?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/I-Adore-You-Meaning-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-I-Adore-You-Meaning-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/I-Adore-You-Meaning-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-I-Adore-You-Meaning-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    While “I adore you” is an expression of love and admiration, it’s not the same as saying “I love you” in a romantic relationship. Think of “I adore you” as a step toward “I love you.” First, we have “I like you,” then “I adore you,” and finally, “I love you.” As your relationship progresses, you may catch yourself or your partner saying, “I adore you,” to test out the future waters of “I love you.”
Section 3 of 3:

How to Respond to “I Adore You”

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/79\/I-Adore-You-Meaning-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-I-Adore-You-Meaning-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/79\/I-Adore-You-Meaning-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-I-Adore-You-Meaning-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The easiest way to respond to “I adore you” in any situation is to say, “I adore you, too.” This mirrors their sentiment and shows that you care for them just as much. Whether it’s a friend or significant other, return the compliment with a similar tone to let them know you love them in the same way.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/I-Adore-You-Meaning-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-I-Adore-You-Meaning-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/I-Adore-You-Meaning-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-I-Adore-You-Meaning-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    in response. If you’re not sure if you care as deeply for them, accept the compliment with gratitude. [2] This response works great with friends who are being silly or crushes or dates you’re not ready to take the next step with yet.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/31\/I-Adore-You-Meaning-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-I-Adore-You-Meaning-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/31\/I-Adore-You-Meaning-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-I-Adore-You-Meaning-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Smile and get flirty . If your crush, partner, or significant other says, “I adore you,” express your admiration and like for them with a flirtatious smile and romantic comment. Try giving them a wink or complimenting what you admire about them. [3]
    4. Advertisement


Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      What Does “Pookie” Mean? Plus, How to Use It
      200+ Best Expressions to Say “I Love You More than…”
      What Does W/ Mean over Text or Online?
      What's a Twunk? Definition, When to Use & More
      What Does “Awww” Mean? Definition, Responses & More
      Signs That Someone Has "Golden Retriever Energy"
      Funny Ways to Say Hello: 45 Cool and Creative Options
      What Does "Have a Great Weekend" Mean? Replying In Person & Over Text
      What Does "Hear Me Out" Mean? Plus, How to Use It
      Are Evening and Night the Same Thing? Not Exactly.
      What Does SS Mean? Snapchat, Texting, and More
      What Does WYD Mean? Snapchat, Texting, and More
      What Does "BBL" Mean? Definition & Uses on Social Media and More
      What Does “I Love You 3000” Mean and What Do You Say Back?
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/adore
      2. ↑ https://hbr.org/2021/10/how-to-take-a-compliment-our-favorite-reads
      3. ↑ https://www.lovetoknow.com/life/relationships/how-respond-compliment

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 34,177 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement