inspiration
Americannoun
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an inspiring or animating action or influence.
I cannot write poetry without inspiration.
- Synonyms:
- incitement, stimulus
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something inspired, as an idea.
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a result of inspired activity.
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a thing or person that inspires.
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Theology.
-
a divine influence directly and immediately exerted upon the mind or soul.
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the divine quality of the writings or words of a person so influenced.
-
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the drawing of air into the lungs; inhalation.
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the act of inspiring; quality or state of being inspired.
noun
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stimulation or arousal of the mind, feelings, etc, to special or unusual activity or creativity
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the state or quality of being so stimulated or aroused
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someone or something that causes this state
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an idea or action resulting from such a state
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the act or process of inhaling; breathing in
Other Word Forms
- reinspiration noun
Etymology
Origin of inspiration
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Writer Simon Mayhew-Archer, who produced the award-winning BBC comedy This Country, set in Gloucestershire, said he drew inspiration for some of the characters from his own "weird little family".
From BBC
A hidden mural initially survived, offering inspiration to congregants, but even that had to ultimately be removed.
From Los Angeles Times
And after striking gold by mining one relationship experience, how has he found fresh inspiration to re-enter the songwriting scene?
From BBC
Our research takes inspiration from natural systems and brings together experts from multiple fields in an international cross disciplinary effort.
From Science Daily
Circular Quay, flanked by the shimmering Opera House and magnificent Harbour Bridge, is a place of inspiration.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
