English Lexicon

Inspire

/ɪnˈspaɪər/
verbCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #1450 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As verb
  1. 1

    To fill someone with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.

    "Her remarkable dedication and resilience continue to inspire the entire team."
  2. 2

    To give rise to; to bring about or occasion a feeling or reaction in someone.

    "The historical leader's speech managed to inspire great confidence among the citizens."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'inspirare', meaning 'to breathe into, inspire, or inflame', formed from 'in-' (into) and 'spirare' (to breathe). It entered Middle English via Old French in the 14th century, initially carrying a theological sense of divine breath entering a human soul before broadening to general creative and mental stimulation.

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