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

She has reportedly turned to Mrs T's legacy herself for inspiration, reading a book about her predecessor's early years in power.

From BBC

“So thank you for being that unknowing inspiration behind the scenes. I was internalizing all of that love and putting it into that record.”

From Los Angeles Times

Her hope is that her career will serve as an inspiration to others.

From BBC

But keeping hold of one star - Antoine Semenyo - proved an absolute masterstroke as the Ghana winger has been the inspiration behind their climb to second spot in the Premier League.

From BBC

For our lyrics, I usually start with a blank slate, not directly from movies, but inspiration can come from anywhere: movies, the news, books.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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