Inspiring

/ɪnˈspaɪərɪŋ/

adjectivemedium🔥Very CommonArts
1 meaning2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

1

Having the effect of inspiring someone; uplifting and encouraging.

/ɪnˈspaɪərɪŋ/

adjectivepositivemedium
Arts

Causing people to feel enthusiastic or encouraged

The teacher's dedication was truly inspiring.

💡 Simply: Imagine you see someone doing something amazing, like finishing a marathon or creating a beautiful piece of art. If it makes you want to try harder or be more creative yourself, that's inspiring!

👶 For kids: Something that's inspiring makes you feel happy and excited, like you can do anything!

More Examples

2

The documentary about environmental activism was very inspiring.

3

Her determination is inspiring.

4

It was an inspiring story of courage and resilience.

How It's Used

General Use

"The speaker gave an inspiring speech."

Art & Literature

"Her artwork is deeply inspiring to other artists."

Leadership

"An inspiring leader motivates their team to achieve great things."

Synonyms & Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

Inspiring confidence

Causing people to believe in someone or something; trustworthy.

"The CEO's decisions and actions were inspiring confidence in the company's future."

Inspire someone to do something

To cause someone to want to do something; to encourage.

"The teacher's passion inspired the students to study harder."

From the Latin inspirare, meaning 'to breathe or blow into,' from in- (in) + spirare (to breathe). Originally related to the act of breathing, it evolved to encompass the idea of infusing or filling someone with an emotion or idea.

The word 'inspiring' has been used in the English language since the late 16th century, initially referring to the act of breathing life or imparting a feeling.

Memory tip

Think of the word 'spirit.' Something inspiring gives you a boost of spirit and motivation.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to breathe"

inspiring storyinspiring leaderinspiring musicinspiring confidencedeeply inspiringtruly inspiring

Common misspellings

inspieringinspiriinginspring

Usage

45%Spoken
55%Written