inspiration

American  

[in-spuh-rey-shuhn] / ˌɪn spəˈreɪ ʃən /

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.

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inspiration British  

/ 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

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inspiration Scientific  

/ ĭn′spə-rā′shən /

1. See inhalation

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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

“My hope is that those of us who help tell stories for a living continue to find inspiration to make popular art that carries over into people’s everyday lives,” Langley said.

From Los Angeles Times

The MoD says it will take inspiration from Ukraine, which has quickly developed a huge domestic drone manufacturing sector since Russia's full-scale invasion of the country four years ago.

From BBC

If you’re suffering from the persevering cold and in need of some cooking inspiration, fret not.

From Salon

Drawing inspiration from this natural system, the researchers designed a solid-state version capable of forming pores nearly as small as biological ion channels.

From Science Daily

As well as drawing inspiration from series such as "The Hunger Games" or "Squid Game", it is rendered in bright and cold colours that give it a feel of the hit shooter video game "Fortnite".

From Barron's

Related Words

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