inspiration

noun

in·​spi·​ra·​tion ˌin(t)-spə-ˈrā-shən 

-(ˌ)spi-

1

: an inspiring agent or influence

2

a

: the quality or state of being inspired

b

: something that is inspired

a scheme that was pure inspiration

3

: the act of drawing in

specifically : the drawing of air into the lungs

4

a

: 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

inspirational

ˌin(t)-spə-ˈrā-sh(ə-)nəl 

-(ˌ)spi-

adjective

inspirationally adverb

Did you know?

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.

Recent Examples on the Web

The contrast becomes even more dramatic when Talbot (pictured above, far right) is asked about the inspiration for the group’s sixth album, which they’re scheduled to begin recording next month. —Jem Aswad, Variety, 13 Dec. 2024

Drawing inspiration from everyday life, pop culture, and art history, Adams delves into themes of self-empowerment, leisure and community, while challenging stereotypical narratives. —Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

Watch Mayer and Mendes talk about being the inspiration for songs below. —Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 12 Dec. 2024

Fellow contemporaries Metallica tapped its own sources of inspiration during the first of a two-concert stand that fared considerably better than the closing night. —Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 12 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4a

Phrases Containing inspiration

• divine inspiration

Kids Definition

inspiration

noun

in·​spi·​ra·​tion ˌin(t)-spə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: the drawing of air into the lungs in breathing

2

a

: the act or power of moving the mind or the emotions

the inspiration of music

b

: the quality or state of being inspired

the artist's inspiration came from many sources

c

: something that is inspired

a scheme that was an inspiration

d

: someone or something that inspires

his wife was his greatest inspiration

inspirational

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

inspirationally

-ē

adverb

Medical Definition

inspiration

noun

in·​spi·​ra·​tion ˌin(t)-spə-ˈrā-shən, -(ˌ)spir-ˈā- 

: the drawing of air into the lungs