Inspiration
/ˌɪnspɪˈreɪʃən/
Definitions
3 meaningsThe feeling of being encouraged or influenced to do something, especially something creative, by a person, thing, or idea.
/ˌɪnspɪˈreɪʃən/
The process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.
The breathtaking scenery provided the artist with a fresh dose of inspiration.
💡 Simply: It's like when you see something amazing – a beautiful painting, a cool song, or even someone doing something brave – and it makes you want to create or do something awesome too! That feeling is inspiration!
👶 For kids: It's when something makes you feel excited and want to do something fun, like drawing a picture or writing a story.
More Examples
Reading biographies often serves as inspiration for individuals seeking motivation.
The musician found inspiration for their new song while traveling.
How It's Used
"The artist found inspiration in the beauty of nature."
"Shakespeare's plays continue to be a source of inspiration for writers."
"Her words were a great inspiration to me."
Someone or something that gives someone the idea or desire to do something.
/ˌɪnspɪˈreɪʃən/
A person, place, thing, or event that makes someone want to create or do something.
The mountains served as an inspiration for the painter's latest series.
💡 Simply: It's the thing or person that lights a fire inside you and makes you want to be creative or better yourself. Like your hero, or your favorite song!
👶 For kids: It's a person or thing that makes you feel like you want to do something cool or be a good person.
More Examples
Her grandmother was her greatest inspiration, always encouraging her to pursue her dreams.
The architect's innovative designs became an inspiration to other designers.
How It's Used
"She was a major inspiration to many young artists."
"The scientist's discoveries were a source of inspiration for future research."
"His life was an inspiration to all who knew him."
The act of taking air into the lungs; inhalation.
/ˌɪnspɪˈreɪʃən/
The act of breathing in.
The patient’s inspiration was shallow due to the lung infection.
💡 Simply: It's the technical term for breathing in, like when you fill your lungs with air!
👶 For kids: It's when you breathe in and fill your lungs with air.
More Examples
The doctor instructed the patient to take a deep inspiration.
Proper breathing exercises focus on controlled inspiration and expiration.
How It's Used
"During inspiration, the lungs expand to take in air."
"Inspiration is followed by expiration to complete the breathing cycle."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
a source of inspiration
Something or someone that provides a feeling of inspiration.
"Her paintings were a constant source of inspiration for other artists."
From Middle English inspiracioun, from Old French inspiracion, from Latin inspiratio ('a breathing or blowing into'), from inspirare ('to breathe or blow into').
The word 'inspiration' has been used since the 14th century, originally in a religious context, referring to divine influence, before broadening to include artistic and creative contexts.
Memory tip
Think of a spark igniting a creative flame.
Word Origin
"a breathing or blowing into"