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

/ ĭn′spə-rā′shən /

1. See inhalation

Other Words From

• rein·spi·ration 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

His life, his example, has provided a great deal of inspiration for me to find that courage perhaps when I don’t feel like I have it all the time.

From Essence.com

We’re there to give guidance and ideas and inspiration, but it is the time for young people.

From Essence.com

He has a lot of fantastic videos on YouTube around leadership and inspiration, and in one of those talks he recommended the book How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish.

From Fortune

For further inspiration, dive into our additional reading and video picks for each destination, including some of our favorite stories from Outside’s archives.

From Outside Online

Kyle Corcoran, executive director, technology investment banking, Morgan StanleyIt addresses some hurdles that may reduce efficiency in teams, despite being made up of highly talented individuals, and has been a source of inspiration.

From Fortune

In this way, inspiration becomes appropriation, which leads directly to theft and erasure.

From The Daily Beast

But inspiration and faith-based agenda in movies does not guarantee box office success.

From The Daily Beast

Al Pacino was an early inspiration, particularly his early films.

From The Daily Beast

So after that initial inspiration, my imagination created the rest.

From The Daily Beast

Hockney is also refreshingly genuine when it comes to revealing another source of inspiration—other artists.

From The Daily Beast

Old Holmes furrowed his brow and closed one eye, seeking with the other the inspiration of the sky.

From Project Gutenberg

Presently a ray of inspiration dispelled the cloud from the features of the battered man.

From Project Gutenberg

Aristide, aglow with a sudden impudent inspiration, leant across the marble table.

From Project Gutenberg

How have not the efforts of these societies been accompanied by this method of recognising the Author of inspiration?

From Project Gutenberg

Buzot adored Madame Roland as the inspiration of his mind, as the idol of his worship.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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