aspire

verb

as·​pire ə-ˈspī(-ə)r 

aspired; aspiring

intransitive verb

1

: to seek to attain or accomplish a particular goal

She aspired to a career in medicine.

2

: ascend, soar

aspirer noun

Synonyms

• aim
• allow [chiefly Southern & Midland]
• calculate
• contemplate
• design
• go [chiefly Southern & Midland]
• intend
• look
• mean
• meditate
• plan
• propose
• purport
• purpose

Examples of aspire in a Sentence

aspire to great deeds, and you have a better chance of doing good deeds

a tower aspiring towards the heavens

Recent Examples on the Web

The Espada is a complicated car, and any aspiring owner not versed in wrenching or fettling is advised to stalk less challenging game. —Robert Ross, Robb Report, 28 Mar. 2025

Thompson will be recognized for his work to help create a more inclusive and dynamic space for aspiring filmmakers across his long career in TV and film. —Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 28 Mar. 2025

With world-class facilities, the season aims to offer an in-depth view of aspiring footballers’ journeys. —Jamie Lang, Variety, 27 Mar. 2025

Becoming a professional athlete is a dream for countless young people, many of whom aspire to follow in the footsteps of stars like Tom Brady or Serena Williams. —Chris Moore, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French aspirer, from Latin aspirare, literally, to breathe upon, from ad- + spirare to breathe

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for aspire

• admire
• afire
• backfire
• esquire
• expire
• haywire
• hellfire
• inquire
• inspire
• newswire
• perspire
• rehire

Kids Definition

aspire

verb

as·​pire ə-ˈspī(ə)r 

aspired; aspiring

: to work to get something high or great

aspirer noun