aspire

verb

as·​pire ə-ˈspī(-ə)r 

aspired; aspiring

intransitive verb

1

: to seek to attain or accomplish a particular goal

She aspired to a career in medicine.

2

: ascend, soar

aspirer noun

Synonyms of aspire

• intend
• plan
• hope
• mean
• aim
• wish
• go

Examples of aspire in a Sentence

aspire to great deeds, and you have a better chance of doing good deeds

a tower aspiring towards the heavens

Recent Examples on the Web

Epic historical fiction, with its long memory and changing themes, naturally aspires more to the symphony than the song. — Literary Hub, 10 July 2026

An aspiring singer, Jo grew frustrated by Slade’s attempts to turn her into a stay-at-home wife and mother to his two sons from a previous relationship. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 10 July 2026

The Memphis area has an impressive public golf course scene that other cities, such as my hometown of Nashville, aspire to have. — Joel Haley, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 10 July 2026

Understanding the relationship between cash flow, burn rate and growth is the most valuable financial lesson an aspiring founder can learn. — Vikram Joshi, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French aspirer, from Latin aspirare, literally, to breathe upon, from ad- + spirare to breathe

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for aspire

• admire
• afire
• backfire
• esquire
• expire
• haywire
• hellfire
• inquire
• inspire
• newswire
• perspire
• rehire

Kids Definition

aspire

verb

as·​pire ə-ˈspī(ə)r 

aspired; aspiring

: to work to get something high or great

aspirer noun