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

The ceiling is low and claustrophobic, the tunnel decorated with graffiti - all designed to act as inspiration for this highly-motivated Serbia team.

From BBC

The Murdoch family's internal turmoil served as inspiration for the hit television drama Succession.

From BBC

His parents, in particular his father who was an aspiring jazz musician, loom large as inspiration.

From Los Angeles Times

It is the story of Mary Roy, her formidable, mercurial mother: feminist icon, educator, crusader, eccentric, bully, inspiration.

From BBC

"His continuity, his down-to-earth nature and his staying power in remaining as an unlisted, independent company have always been a huge inspiration for me personally," Smith wrote on social media.

From BBC

Related Words

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