inspire
To fill someone with enthusiasm or the desire to act.
Word facts
Definition
To inspire means to fill someone with enthusiasm, creativity, or the desire to do something. Inspiration comes from experiences, people, ideas, or events that spark motivation and positive action.
Usage: Inspire implies a powerful, positive emotional effect. Motivate is more practical — it gets someone moving toward a goal. Encourage is milder and more supportive.
Example sentences
- 1
Her story inspired thousands of people to start their own businesses.
- 2
A great teacher inspires students to love learning for its own sake.
- 3
The landscape inspired him to paint some of his finest work.
Word family
From Latin inspirare ('to breathe into'), from in- + spirare ('to breathe'). To inspire was literally to breathe life or spirit into someone.
Inspire contains 'spire' — like a church spire pointing upward. Inspiration lifts people upward.
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FAQ
Questions people ask
What is the noun form of inspire?
The noun is inspiration. Example: The landscape was an endless source of inspiration.
What is the difference between inspire and motivate?
Inspire creates a deep desire to act, often through emotion or vision. Motivate focuses on providing a reason to take action.