inspirational
Americanadjective
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imparting inspiration.
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under the influence of inspiration; inspired. inspired.
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of or relating to inspiration.
adjective
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of, relating to, or tending to arouse inspiration; inspiring
-
resulting from inspiration; inspired
Other Word Forms
- inspirationally adverb
- pseudoinspirational adjective
- quasi-inspirational adjective
Etymology
Origin of inspirational
First recorded in 1830–40; inspiration + -al 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
As chair, Karp led the weekly Thursday partners’ meetings as if he were a politician giving the state of the union, offering lengthy inspirational addresses, one person familiar said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026
An honorary doctorate is the highest honour UU can bestow and is awarded to inspirational people who have made an outstanding impact in their field.
From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026
“Rufus has lived there since 2016 and wanted to keep its original character intact. He has updated it over the years to be a functioning home while also having lots of creative and inspirational energy.”
From MarketWatch • Mar. 17, 2026
He has written poetry since high school, peppers social media with inspirational sayings and donates time and money to several charities.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 5, 2026
It’s the stuff of inspirational books and sentimental Hollywood movies.
From "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
