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

Derived 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; see inspire) + -iō -ion

Explanation

An inspiration is a product of your thought, like a brilliant idea. If you have the next revolutionary inspiration like the printing press, the telephone, or the computer, you may just change the world. The noun inspiration can also mean a sudden intuition or idea, or something that arouses your desire to take action. You may find that doing some routine provides inspiration (gets your creative juices flowing), like going for a walk, looking at art, or reading a great poem. Inspiration can also mean breathing in or inhaling.

Example Sentences

And inspiration is easy to find in this piece of North America’s so-called “Galapagos,” where the Pacific sparkles in the background of any burn scar.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

The book’s captioning about the white organdy costume Graham designed for herself, currently displayed in the library, notes that its inspiration was the “night-blooming Cereus” flower.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

And it can provide inspiration for your children and grandchildren, too.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 8, 2026

Leo had called for an end to "polarising narratives" as a week-long state visit expected to focus on migration and social issues began on Saturday, a source of inspiration for Peralta.

From Barron's • Jun. 7, 2026

A black weekly in Richmond, Virginia, sang Durham’s praises even more fervently: Go to Durham...you need the inspiration.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

Related Words

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