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Inspirational Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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inspirational

[ษชnspษ™หˆreษชสƒษ™nl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

speech/motivation

Providing encouragement or motivation; uplifting and positive.

Synonyms

encouraging, motivational, uplifting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
inspirational

Used to describe something that motivates someone to feel hopeful or to do something great. It often refers to stories, people, or speeches.

  • The hero's journey in the movie was truly inspirational.
  • Her speech at the conference was so inspirational that many people decided to take action.
motivational

Refers to something that provides someone with a reason or enthusiasm to do something, often linked to achieving personal or professional goals.

  • The coach gave a motivational talk before the big game.
  • Her book is filled with motivational tips for getting organized.
encouraging

Best used when you want to give someone support or confidence, especially in situations that are challenging or when someone is trying to achieve a goal.

  • His words were very encouraging during the difficult times.
  • It's important to be encouraging when someone is learning a new skill.
uplifting

Describes something that makes someone feel happier or more hopeful, often used in a general sense to improve mood or spirits.

  • The music at the event was very uplifting and brought smiles to everyone's faces.
  • She always has an uplifting attitude that brightens the day.

Examples of usage

  • His speech was truly inspirational and moved the audience to tears.
  • She found the movie to be very inspirational and it motivated her to pursue her dreams.
Context #2 | Noun

source of inspiration

Something that inspires or motivates someone, such as a person, idea, or experience.

Synonyms

influence, motivation, stimulus.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
inspirational

Use in situations where something or someone evokes inspiration or admiration, often related to personal growth or achievements.

  • Her speech was inspirational and moved everyone at the conference
  • The film is an inspirational story about overcoming adversity
motivation

Use this word to describe the reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way, often related to personal goals and desires.

  • He lost his motivation to study after failing the exam
  • Her motivation for running every day is to stay healthy
influence

Use when describing the power to affect someone's beliefs, actions, or development, often indirectly or subtly.

  • His teachers had a great influence on his decision to become a scientist
  • The new policy will influence how we approach the project
stimulus

Use when referring to something that evokes a response or activity, often in a biological or economic context.

  • The new tax cut provided a stimulus for economic growth
  • A loud noise acts as a stimulus that can trigger anxiety

Examples of usage

  • She considered her grandmother to be her greatest inspiration.
  • The beautiful scenery served as an inspiration for the artist's paintings.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research suggests that inspirational experiences can boost motivation and enhance personal goal pursuit.
  • Feeling inspired has been linked to increased creativity and problem-solving abilities, as it opens the mind to new possibilities.
  • Inspirational stories and role models can lead to a positive shift in self-perception, making individuals feel more capable of achieving their dreams.

Pop Culture

  • Many films feature inspirational themes, where characters overcome obstacles and achieve their goals, like 'The Pursuit of Happyness' or 'Rocky'.
  • Popular quotes, such as those from figures like Maya Angelou or Steve Jobs, often remind people to find inspiration within themselves.
  • Inspirational music, like uplifting anthems, can create a powerful atmosphere that encourages collective motivation during events like sports.

Literature

  • Several books, like 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho, focus on themes of personal destiny and the inspiration to follow one's dreams.
  • Poets frequently weave inspirational messages into their works, encouraging readers to embrace beauty and potential in life.
  • Self-help books often explore inspirational topics, providing readers with tools and stories to inspire positive changes.

Education

  • Teachers often use inspirational stories to engage students, making lessons more relatable and motivating.
  • In educational settings, inspirational figures like Malala Yousafzai have become symbols of perseverance and the value of education.
  • Classroom environments that encourage inspiration lead to better student outcomes and foster a culture of creativity.

Origin of 'inspirational'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin root 'inspirare', meaning 'to breathe in', connecting the idea of receiving a motivating breath of fresh air.
  • First recorded use in English dates back to the 15th century, often relating to poetry and art in inspiring creativity.
  • In the 18th century, 'inspirational' began to be associated with motivating speeches and ideas that encourage personal growth.

The word 'inspirational' originates from the verb 'inspire', which comes from the Latin word 'inspirare', meaning 'to breathe into'. The concept of inspiration has been associated with divine influence, artistic creativity, and motivation throughout history. The adjective 'inspirational' gained popularity in the 19th century as a term to describe something that provides encouragement or motivation.

See also: inspiration, inspirations, inspired, inspiring, uninspired, uninspiredly, uninspiring, uninspiringly.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,351, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.