inspiration

noun

in·spi·ra·tion ˌin(t)-spə-ˈrā-shən

-(ˌ)spi-

Synonyms of inspiration next

: an inspiring agent or influence

: the quality or state of being inspired

: something that is inspired

a scheme that was pure inspiration

: the act of drawing in

specifically : the drawing of air into the lungs

: a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or her to receive and communicate sacred revelation

: the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions

: the act of influencing or suggesting opinions

inspirational

ˌin(t)-spə-ˈrā-sh(ə-)nəl

-(ˌ)spi-

adjective

inspirationally adverb

Did you know?

The Inspirational History of Inspiration

Inspiration has an unusual history in that its figurative sense appears to predate its literal one. It comes from the Latin inspiratus (the past participle of inspirare, “to breathe into, inspire”) and in English has had the meaning “the drawing of air into the lungs” since the middle of the 16th century. This breathing sense is still in common use among doctors, as is expiration (“the act or process of releasing air from the lungs”). However, before inspiration was used to refer to breath it had a distinctly theological meaning in English, referring to a divine influence upon a person, from a divine entity; this sense dates back to the early 14th century. The sense of inspiration often found today (“someone or something that inspires”) is considerably newer than either of these two senses, dating from the 19th century.

Example Sentences

Where does the inspiration for your art come from? His paintings take their inspiration from nature. She had a sudden inspiration. They would have the party outdoors! Deciding to have the party outdoors was sheer inspiration.

Recent Examples on the Web It has been seen as a source of inspiration and a distraction. —

Tyrone Beason, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2023 Get news about destinations opening and closing, inspiration for future adventures, plus the latest in aviation, food and drink, where to stay and other travel developments. —

Tamara Hardingham-gill, CNN, 17 May 2023 The narration is written by Bianca Stigter, whose book Atlas of an Occupied City (Amsterdam 1940-1945) is the doc’s inspiration. —

Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 May 2023 Each pair's straps and colorways then give them a Chloé touch: the Hurricane XLT2 is wrapped in cream straps reminiscent of Chloé's popular Woody tote bag, while both versions of the Ampsole (one neutral, one hot pink) reference Hearst's long-time inspiration with their Bahia Band straps. —

Halie Lesavage, Harper's BAZAAR, 17 May 2023 The flavor of the boozy version isn’t nearly as in-your-face orange as its inspiration. —

Emily Heil, Washington Post, 15 May 2023 Bridgerton series creator Shonda Rhimes revealed that Avant was the inspiration for the Queen Charlotte spin-off in a statement obtained by DigitalSpy. —

Jasmine Washington, Seventeen, 13 May 2023 Seligman had used the sugar baby community at school as inspiration for Sennott's Danielle, a college student forced to endure a shiva observance with her family, her much older lover and his family, and her old high school flame. —

Nick Romano, EW.com, 12 May 2023 Instead of doubling down on the stately balladry of her breakthrough hits, Daigle explores ‘60s pop, folk, jazz and R&B on the project, creating a fantasia of inspiration powered by her mammoth vocal takes. —

Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 12 May 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inspiration.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.