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

• intend
• plan
• hope
• mean
• aim
• wish
• go [chiefly Southern & Midland]

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

These three practices are essential mental habits for leaders who aspire to lead with clarity, composure and conscious intention. —Gamini Hewawasam, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

This country is far to expensive for working class Americans, for middle class Americans, for all those who aspire to be part of the middle class. —ABC News, 29 June 2025

To do so, Kittle's message to the group is truly one to aspire to, no matter how many years those players have in the league. —Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2025

Beadle is at a distinct disadvantage in aspiring to one spot where Brighton have an abundance of depth. —Andy Naylor, New York Times, 27 June 2025

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