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

“If you’re not sure what to buy your 10-year-old nephew who loves animals, give some prompts to an AI chat and get some inspiration,” she said.

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A recent survey conducted by Salesforce found that 57% of respondents who use AI plan to lean on the tool for gift inspiration this year.

Read more on Barron's

A recent survey conducted by Salesforce found that 57% of respondents who use AI plan to lean on the tool for gift inspiration this year.

Read more on Barron's

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

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“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.”

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Related Words

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