aspirant

American  

[uh-spahyuhr-uhnt, as-per-uhnt] / əˈspaɪər ənt, ˈæs pər ənt /

noun

1. a person who aspires, as one who seeks or desires a career, advancement, status, etc..

   The aspirants for foundation grants had yet to prove themselves.

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adjective

1. aspiring or seeking to attain something important or of value.

aspirant British  

/ ˈæspɪrənt, əˈspaɪərənt /

noun

1. a person who aspires, as to a high position

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adjective

1. aspiring or striving

Etymology

Origin of aspirant

First recorded in 1730–40; from French or directly from Latin aspīrant- (stem of aspīrāns, present participle of aspīrāre ); aspire, -ant

Example Sentences

When Henry of Navarre sought to become king in the 16th century, the Protestant aspirant faced fierce opposition within Catholic France.

From The Wall Street Journal

But in a world supposedly clamoring for more shows like “Rome,” DeKnight served up a more popularly appealing vision; critics wrote it off as a small-screen aspirant to succeed “300.”

From Salon

Until then, her committee could not legitimately review possible aspirants.

From Los Angeles Times

Those older members who refuse to step down have already drawn primaries from younger aspirants.

From The Wall Street Journal

Consulting firm Oliver Wyman recently highlighted how luxury brands are layering storytelling, immersive design, and regionally tailored products to capture discerning aspirants.

From Barron's

Related Words

• applicant
• candidate
• contestant