inspiration
Inspiration (noun) means a person, idea, or experience that stimulates creativity or motivation. Example: “Her grandmother was the inspiration for the novel's main character.”
How to use inspiration
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething (or someone) that sparks creativity, motivation, or a good idea — or, in medicine, the act of breathing in.
Word forms
inspirations plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Her grandmother was the _____ for the novel's main character.
Etymology
From Old French inspiration, from Late Latin inspirationem, from inspirare ("to breathe into") — the same root that gives us "inspire."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for inspiration
Frequently asked questions
What does “inspiration” mean?
The word “inspiration” means a person, idea, or experience that stimulates creativity or motivation. In plain terms, something (or someone) that sparks creativity, motivation, or a good idea — or, in medicine, the act of breathing in.
How do you pronounce “inspiration”?
“Inspiration” is pronounced ihn-spih-RAY-shuhn (/ˌɪn.spɚˈeɪ.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “inspiration” in a sentence?
Here is “inspiration” used in a sentence: “Her grandmother was the inspiration for the novel's main character.”
What part of speech is “inspiration”?
“Inspiration” is a noun.
Where does the word “inspiration” come from?
The word “inspiration” comes from Late Latin. From Old French inspiration, from Late Latin inspirationem, from inspirare ("to breathe into") — the same root that gives us "inspire.".
Is “inspiration” a common word?
“Inspiration” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “inspiration” have?
“Inspiration” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person, idea, or experience that stimulates creativity or motivation.
What is the difference between inspiration and motivation?
Inspiration is the spark — a person, idea, or experience that suddenly fills you with a creative urge or fresh vision. Motivation is the ongoing drive and reason that pushes you to act and keep going. Inspiration often arrives from outside and stirs emotion; motivation sustains the effort that follows.
What is the difference between inspiration and aspiration?
Inspiration is the stimulus that sparks a creative idea or the desire to act. Aspiration is a hope or ambition — the goal you long to reach. Inspiration moves you in the moment; aspiration is what you are reaching toward. One provides the spark, the other the destination.
Where does inspiration come from?
Inspiration can come from almost anywhere: other people, nature, art, music, conversations, travel, hardship, or a sudden idea while resting. It often strikes unexpectedly rather than on demand. Many creative people find it by staying curious, gathering varied experiences, and giving their minds room to wander and make connections.
Can inspiration be forced?
Not directly — inspiration tends to arrive on its own rather than when summoned. You can, however, create conditions that invite it: exposing yourself to new ideas, taking breaks, reading widely, and starting work even without it. Often the act of beginning is what finally sparks the inspiration.
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