inspiration

[in-spuh-rey-shuhn]

noun

1. an inspiring or animating action or influence.

   I cannot write poetry without inspiration.

   Synonyms: incitement, stimulus

2. something inspired, as an idea.

3. a result of inspired activity.

4. a thing or person that inspires.

5. Theology.

   1. a divine influence directly and immediately exerted upon the mind or soul.

   2. the divine quality of the writings or words of a person so influenced.

6. the drawing of air into the lungs; inhalation.

7. the act of inspiring; quality or state of being inspired.

inspiration

/ ˌɪnspɪˈreɪʃən /

noun

1. stimulation or arousal of the mind, feelings, etc, to special or unusual activity or creativity

2. the state or quality of being so stimulated or aroused

3. someone or something that causes this state

4. an idea or action resulting from such a state

5. the act or process of inhaling; breathing in

inspiration

1. See inhalation

Other Word Forms

• reinspiration noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of inspiration¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English inspiracio(u)n, from Late Latin inspīrātiōn-, stem of inspīrātiō literally “a breathing in,” from inspīrāt(us) “breathed in” (past participle of inspīrāre; inspire ) + -iō -ion

Example Sentences

It is the story of Mary Roy, her formidable, mercurial mother: feminist icon, educator, crusader, eccentric, bully, inspiration.

From BBC

"His continuity, his down-to-earth nature and his staying power in remaining as an unlisted, independent company have always been a huge inspiration for me personally," Smith wrote on social media.

From BBC

Gibson says Diane empowered her and her sisters, so perhaps the source of her inspiration isn’t a mystery.

From Los Angeles Times

If Wales need any inspiration, then they should look at Ireland, who have scored 85 points in their first two games against Japan and Spain.

From BBC

So, she’s an inspiration, surely, and her presence definitely did help me today.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• encouragement 
• enthusiasm 
• genius 
• incentive 
• influence 
• insight 
• motivation 
• revelation 
• vision