inspiration
noun
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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
Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
Looking at her career, travel back to her homeland was a root of her inspiration.
—Pooja Shah, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
Although no-makeup may seem ideal in a Parisian train station, which was the inspiration behind the look, poetic taupes shape tired eyes and lips stained with last night’s lipstick speak to weary, bouffant-haired travellers instead.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 13 Mar. 2025
Lady Gaga has long been known for pulling inspiration from an eclectic mix of artists, and with seventh studio album Mayhem, she’s cited Nine Inch Nails as a major influence.
—Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inspiration
Cite this Entry
“Inspiration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inspiration. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.
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inspiration
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