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

Few are blessed with his athleticism or talent, but the right gear can help any aspiring basketball player develop excellent scoring ability. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026

What is your advice for an aspiring reality-TV star? —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 6 May 2026

This oath aspires to open up conversations, and to make space for celebration, commitment, and accountability. —Literary Hub, 6 May 2026

But kids didn’t aspire to dress like work-from-home moms in machine-washables. —Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 4 May 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