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

“Let us remember Daniel for his passion and love for the game of chess, and for the joy and inspiration he brought to us all every day,” the North Carolina center posted on social media.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“It’s an inspiration for 41 million people in Canada from coast to coast,” Rogers said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Talk to me about the inspiration for the title and what your mindset was going into the creation of that EP.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The Gunners boss was asked if Simeone's time in charge was an inspiration to him.

Read more on BBC

His inspiration comes from Yoda, whose adage “Do or do not. There is no try” serves as a constant signpost.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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