Inspire
/ɪnˈspaɪər/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo stimulate or arouse a feeling, thought, or action.
/ɪnˈspaɪər/
To fill someone with the urge or ability to do or feel something.
Her stories inspired me to travel.
💡 Simply: Imagine you see a movie that makes you want to go out and do something amazing. That movie *inspired* you! It gave you the feeling and energy to act.
👶 For kids: To give someone an idea or feeling to do something great!
More Examples
The teacher's enthusiasm inspired the students.
The beautiful scenery inspired him to write a poem.
How It's Used
"The artist was inspired by the beauty of nature."
"The CEO inspired her team to achieve their goals."
To evoke a feeling or emotion.
/ɪnˈspaɪər/
To cause someone to have a particular feeling or emotion.
The scenery of the mountains inspired peace.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, a story or a song *inspires* a feeling in you, like happiness or sadness. It's like it 'breathes' that feeling into your heart.
👶 For kids: To make someone feel a certain way.
More Examples
The painting inspired feelings of joy.
The play inspired a variety of emotions in the audience.
How It's Used
"His speeches inspired a sense of hope in the community."
"The song inspired feelings of nostalgia."
To prompt or encourage someone to do something.
/ɪnˈspaɪər/
To fill someone with the desire or ability to create or do something.
The success of the project inspired others to try.
💡 Simply: When someone *inspires* you, they're giving you the energy and the idea to *do* something! Like when a coach inspires their team to win.
👶 For kids: To give someone the idea or power to make or do something.
More Examples
The challenges of the environment inspired new solutions.
The story of the survivor inspired the community to rebuild.
How It's Used
"The exhibition inspired new works of art."
"The findings inspired further research."
Idioms & expressions
be inspired by
To be influenced by something, especially in a creative way.
"The artist was inspired by the natural beauty of the landscape."
draw inspiration from
To gain creative ideas or motivation from a source.
"The composer drew inspiration from folk music traditions."
From Latin inspirare, meaning "to breathe into" or "to infuse with spirit". It originally referred to the divine influence of the gods, particularly the Muses, on artists and thinkers.
Originally related to the belief in divine influence, especially on artists and poets. The word's use expanded over time to include more general encouragement and motivation.
Memory tip
Think of breathing (Latin 'spirare'). When you inspire, you breathe in new ideas or feelings.