inspiration

noun

in·​spi·​ra·​tion ˌin(t)-spə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce inspiration (audio)
-(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 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 Instead, the sophisticated traditional abode draws inspiration from ritzy locales like Italy and London and strikes a balance between classic architecture and contemporary design. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2024 The visual directly references the 2004 film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, an inspiration for Grande’s latest LP. Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 8 Mar. 2024 Here are 15 inspiration shades of ash brown hair color to show your stylist now. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2024 He was named after an unexpected place Speaking to Today in 2022, Lucy revealed the unlikely inspiration for her son’s name. Kaitlin Stevens, Peoplemag, 6 Mar. 2024 The jazz musician has been an influential figure in van Gorp’s breakdance career, his smooth sound and freewheeling rhythms a constant source of inspiration for each new routine. George Ramsay, CNN, 5 Mar. 2024 At the latest launch for the Nothing 2(a) event, designers credited Massimo Vignelli, the creator of a simplified iteration of the New York Subway map in the 1970s, as their inspiration for taking complex features of a classic smartphone and breaking them down. Byryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 5 Mar. 2024 Feats of derring-do, bouts of inspiration and a hearty show of strength for Nordic animation are but three of many motifs underscoring this year’s Cartoon Movie, which runs over March 5 – 7 in Bordeaux. Ben Croll, Variety, 5 Mar. 2024 In the end, perhaps the true essence of coaching lies in the reciprocal exchange of knowledge, growth and inspiration between coach and client, each learning and evolving together on the journey towards becoming better leaders and human beings. Dede Henley, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024

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.

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of inspiration was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near inspiration

Cite this Entry

“Inspiration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inspiration. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

inspiration

noun
in·​spi·​ra·​tion ˌin(t)-spə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce inspiration (audio)
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 How to pronounce inspiration (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
adjective
inspirationally
adverb

Medical Definition

inspiration

noun
in·​spi·​ra·​tion ˌin(t)-spə-ˈrā-shən, -(ˌ)spir-ˈā- How to pronounce inspiration (audio)
: the drawing of air into the lungs
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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