aspire

[uh-spahyuhr]

verb (used without object)

aspired, aspiring 

1. to long, aim, or seek ambitiously; be eagerly desirous, especially for something great or of high value (usually followed by to, after, or an infinitive).

   to aspire after literary immortality; to aspire to be a doctor.

   Synonyms: yearn

2. Archaic.,  to rise up; soar; mount; tower.

aspire

/ əˈspaɪə /

verb

1. to yearn (for) or have a powerful or ambitious plan, desire, or hope (to do or be something)

   to aspire to be a great leader

2. to rise to a great height

Other Word Forms

• aspirer noun
• aspiringly adverb
• nonaspiring adjective
• unaspiring adjective
• unaspiringly adverb
• aspiring adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of aspire¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Middle French aspirer, from Latin aspīrāre “to breathe upon, pant after,” from a- a- ⁵ + spīrāre “to breathe, blow”

Word History and Origins

Origin of aspire¹

C15: from Latin aspīrāre to breathe upon, from spīrāre to breathe

Synonym Study

See ambitious

Example Sentences

Not everyone aspires to join the top 10% or to “feel rich” — and that is fine.

Read more on MarketWatch

The work, however, is welcomed and is a source of inspiration not only for her, but also for aspiring puppet makers.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

For aspiring CEOs, the lesson is straightforward: Your candidacy depends on what your shareholders value.

Read more on MarketWatch

Iran aspires to become a key regional player in emerging technologies, despite decades of international sanctions that have stifled its development.

Read more on Barron's

"We hope the Grand Egyptian Museum will usher in a new golden age of Egyptology and cultural tourism," says Ahmed Seddik, a guide and aspiring Egyptologist by the pyramids on the Giza Plateau.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• crave 
• pursue 
• strive 
• yearn