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inspiration

noun
in·​spi·​ra·​tion | \ ˌin(t)-spə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce inspiration (audio) , -(ˌ)spi-\

Definition of inspiration

1a : 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
2 : the act of drawing in specifically : the drawing of air into the lungs
3a : the quality or state of being inspired
b : something that is inspired a scheme that was pure inspiration
4 : an inspiring agent or influence
Other Words from inspiration The Inspirational History of Inspiration Example Sentences Learn More about inspiration

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Other Words from inspiration

inspirational \ ˌin(t)-​spə-​ˈrā-​shnəl How to pronounce inspirational (audio) , -​shə-​nᵊl , -​(ˌ)spi-​ \ adjective
inspirationally adverb

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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 But if Tharpe influenced postwar sound, Sallstrom leaned heavily on the glittering ’70s for makeup inspiration. — Vogue, "Pyer Moss Channels ’70s Rock Icons With Next-Level Glam Beauty," 10 Sep. 2019 Even with stylish moms like Meghan Markle to follow for wardrobe inspiration, many pregnant women cite that day-to-day maternity dressing can be tough on personal style. — Halie Lesavage, Glamour, "Ashley Graham Got Real About Her Biggest Maternity Wardrobe Struggle," 7 Sep. 2019 The two faced off at the Los Angeles International Fencing Center, where the flags of the United States, Japan, Britain and Israel as well as many others are hanging on a gym wall for inspiration. — Eric Sondheimercolumnist, Los Angeles Times, "Column: Champion fencer Bryce Louie is also a politician," 7 Sep. 2019 But AJ Gerritson, Nick Lowe, and Tom Lee are sticking with the literary world for inspiration. — BostonGlobe.com, "Looking far and wide pays off for this nonprofit," 4 Sep. 2019 It's housed in two historic buildings on Main Street and looks to cooking methods and ingredients of the past for inspiration. — Polly Campbell, Cincinnati.com, "And the best bistros in Greater Cincinnati are ...," 28 Aug. 2019 Scott has created a culture, a community who look to him for inspiration. — Joey Guerra, Houston Chronicle, "'Look Mom I Can Fly' documents Travis Scott's rollercoaster ride," 28 Aug. 2019 For costume inspiration, Cathy Bates brought this figure to life in American Horror Story: Coven. — Blair Donovan, Country Living, "50 Best Witch Names to Upgrade Your Halloween Costume," 18 July 2019 In the search for extraterrestrial life, scientists are turning to our own ocean for inspiration. — Eva Botkin-kowacki, The Christian Science Monitor, "NASA eyes the ocean: How the deep sea could unlock outer space," 23 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'inspiration.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of inspiration

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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More Definitions for inspiration

inspiration

noun
How to pronounce inspiration (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of inspiration

: something that makes someone want to do something or that gives someone an idea about what to do or create : a force or influence that inspires someone
: a person, place, experience, etc., that makes someone want to do or create something
: a good idea

See the full definition for inspiration in the English Language Learners Dictionary

inspiration

noun
in·​spi·​ra·​tion | \ ˌin-spə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce inspiration (audio) \

Kids Definition of inspiration

1 : the act or power of arousing the mind or the emotions the inspiration of music
2 : a clever idea While deciding on a costume, I had an inspiration.
3 : something that moves someone to act, create, or feel an emotion Mountains were the painter's inspiration.

inspiration

noun
in·​spi·​ra·​tion | \ ˌin(t)-spə-ˈrā-shən, -(ˌ)spir-ˈā- How to pronounce inspiration (audio) \

Medical Definition of inspiration

: the drawing of air into the lungs

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