Inspire: meaning, definitions and examples

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inspire

 

[ษชnหˆspaษชษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in daily life

Fill (someone) with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.

Synonyms

encourage, influence, motivate, stimulate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
inspire

Used when you want to describe someone or something that sparks creativity, admiration, or a strong positive emotion. This word often implies a sense of uplifting and visionary influence.

  • Her speech managed to inspire the entire team to pursue new goals.
  • The beautiful landscape inspired him to start painting again.
motivate

Used when you want to talk about providing someone with a reason or incentive to do something. It is often related to boosting someoneโ€™s drive or determination, frequently in a practical or tangible way.

  • A bonus program was implemented to motivate employees.
  • Her success story motivated him to start his own business.
encourage

Appropriate in situations where you want to support, reassure, or give confidence to someone. It is often used to help someone continue their efforts despite challenges or doubts.

  • Parents should always encourage their children to do their best.
  • His friends encouraged him to apply for the job.
stimulate

Appropriate when referring to something that raises levels of activity or energy, often in a more physical or direct way. This word is also used in contexts involving intellectual engagement or economic activity.

  • Reading stimulating articles can enhance critical thinking skills.
  • The government implemented policies to stimulate the economy.
influence

Best used when referring to the power to have an effect on someone's behavior, decisions, or thinking, either positively or negatively. This word can have a neutral or slightly negative connotation depending on context.

  • Advertising can greatly influence consumer behavior.
  • Her mentor had a significant influence on her career choices.

Examples of usage

  • The beautiful scenery inspired her to start painting again.
  • His speech inspired the audience to take action and make a difference.
Context #2 | Verb

inspirational quotes

To give rise to a feeling, thought, or action through words or ideas that motivate or uplift.

Synonyms

arouse, ignite, prompt, stir.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
inspire

Use when motivating someone towards a positive action or creative endeavor.

  • Her speech managed to inspire the whole team to work harder
  • The beauty of the landscape inspired him to paint again
ignite

Best used for describing the starting of a literal or figurative fire, can also mean sparking an intense emotion or action.

  • The dry conditions helped to ignite the forest fire
  • His words managed to ignite a passion for justice in many people
stir

Describes the act of moving emotions or thoughts, often used with a more subtle impact.

  • The heartfelt letter stirred feelings of nostalgia
  • Such stories can stir compassion and kindness in people's hearts
arouse

Suitable for describing the awakening of emotions or responses, often used in the context of curiosity or interest.

  • The mysterious noises outside aroused her curiosity
  • His story aroused strong emotions in the audience
prompt

Use when causing someone to take action or to remember to do something. It has a more immediate connotation.

  • The manager's reminder prompted the employees to submit their reports on time
  • The loud noise prompted him to check what was happening outside

Examples of usage

  • The quote by Maya Angelou inspired her to never give up.
  • Reading inspirational stories can inspire us to overcome challenges.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'inspirare', meaning 'to breathe into', as if good ideas are breathed into your mind.
  • Old French adopted the term as 'inspirer', maintaining the concept of a guiding influence.
  • From its origins, the term has maintained its link to creativity and motivation over centuries.

Psychology

  • Inspiration often leads to increased motivation and action, playing a key role in the creative process.
  • Research shows that people feel inspired more from othersโ€™ stories and experiences than just from facts or data.
  • The act of witnessing someone's passion or resilience can spark inspiration within ourselves, creating a cycle of positive influence.

Art and Literature

  • Many writers and artists cite personal experiences or divine insights as sources of inspiration for their work.
  • The Romantic era emphasized the importance of inspiration, viewing it as a mystical force that ignites creativity.
  • Famous musicians often described being inspired by nature or personal experiences to create timeless pieces.

Pop Culture

  • In modern media, motivational speakers and influencers often encourage others to find inspiration in everyday life.
  • Films and books that bring forth themes of perseverance and triumph regularly inspire audiences to act.
  • Social media platforms have become spaces where individuals share their inspiring stories, fostering a community geared towards positive change.

Science

  • Studies indicate that exposure to art can enhance creative thinking, suggesting a link between inspiration and cognitive flexibility.
  • Brain research has shown that inspiration activates areas associated with motivation, showcasing a biological response to the feeling.
  • Exploration in science continues to find new ways in which inspiration can lead to innovation and discoveries that change lives.

Translations

Translations of the word "inspire" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น inspirar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเฅเคฐเฅ‡เคฐเคฟเคค เค•เคฐเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช inspirieren

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ menginspirasi

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฝะฐะดะธั…ะฐั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ inspirowaฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚คใƒณใ‚นใƒ‘ใ‚คใ‚ขใ™ใ‚‹

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท inspirer

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ inspirar

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท ilham vermek

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์˜๊ฐ์„ ์ฃผ๋‹ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูŠูู„ู‡ู…

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ inspirovat

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ inลกpirovaลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆฟ€ๅŠฑ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ navdihovati

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ veita innblรกstur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัˆะฐะฑั‹ั‚ั‚ะฐะฝะดั‹ั€ัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ’แƒฃแƒšแƒก แƒฉแƒแƒกแƒ•แƒšแƒ˜แƒก

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ilham vermษ™k

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ inspirar

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,819 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.