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

Looking ahead to those events, Shelton said the Thanksgiving holiday — with its awkward family gatherings — could offer comedic inspiration.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“I’m nothing but proud of my parents and so proud of my father for having such an influential career. He’s such an inspiration.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Thirty years later, “Mellon Collie” is recognized as one of the most influential rock albums of the decade, later cited as inspiration by later acts like Muse, My Chemical Romance and Silversun Pickups.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It has an adjustable light for middle-of-the-night inspiration and its interface has preloaded templates, such as weekly planners, in case staring at a blank screen is intimidating.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

And once again they were devoid of inspiration and energy in another lethargic display that left them languishing in 11th place, eight points behind leaders Arsenal.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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