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
Rachel King, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
The younger generation will see her as a role model and draw inspiration from her.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
As the Cure’s front man and primary songwriter, Smith’s never been shy about drawing blatant lyrical inspiration from his favorite books and poems.
—Chris Stanton, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2024
The red seconds hand draws inspiration from the brand’s signature red rivets.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for inspiration 
Dictionary Entries Near inspiration
Cite this Entry
“Inspiration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inspiration. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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inspiration
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inspiration
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