inspiration

noun

in·​spi·​ra·​tion ˌin(t)-spə-ˈrā-shən 

-(ˌ)spi-

1

: an inspiring agent or influence

2

a

: the quality or state of being inspired

b

: something that is inspired

a scheme that was pure inspiration

3

: the act of drawing in

specifically : the drawing of air into the lungs

4

a

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

b

: the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions

c

: 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.

Examples of inspiration in a Sentence

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

Others found inspiration elsewhere, including close friends and family. —Irene Kim, Vogue, 15 Sep. 2023

Find ideas and inspiration on where to go, what to eat and how to enjoy life on the weekends. —Adam Tschorn, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2023

The second celebration was spearheaded by Vogue’s Anna Wintour and Edward Enninful, as well as theater and television director Stephen Daldry, who worked together to pull inspiration from London’s theater epicenter, the West End. —Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 14 Sep. 2023

For her Los Angeles stop on September 11, the multi-hyphenate looked to the late 90s and early aughts for her hairstyle inspiration. —Gabi Thorne, Allure, 14 Sep. 2023

For inspiration, Kim looked to thrillers like Gone Girl, as well as relationship dramas like Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and Revolutionary Road. —Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2023

Gupta’s resilience and her hope to be fully seen are an inspiration in both personal and political terms. —Jessica Ferri, Washington Post, 14 Sep. 2023

The Man were also a source of inspiration and encouragement for the idea, Dommek said. —Alena Naiden, Anchorage Daily News, 13 Sep. 2023

Beyoncé has previously opened up about how Ross is one of her musical inspirations. —Kirsty Hatcher, Peoplemag, 5 Sep. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4a

Phrases Containing inspiration

• divine inspiration

• divine inspiration

Kids Definition

inspiration

noun

in·​spi·​ra·​tion ˌin(t)-spə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: the drawing of air into the lungs in breathing

2

a

: the act or power of moving the mind or the emotions

the inspiration of music

b

: the quality or state of being inspired

the artist's inspiration came from many sources

c

: something that is inspired

a scheme that was an inspiration

d

: someone or something that inspires

his wife was his greatest inspiration

inspirational

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

inspirationally

-ē

adverb

Medical Definition

inspiration

noun

in·​spi·​ra·​tion ˌin(t)-spə-ˈrā-shən, -(ˌ)spir-ˈā- 

: the drawing of air into the lungs