Word

inspiration

noun C1

UK /ˌɪn.spɪˈɹeɪ.ʃən/

US /ˌɪn.spɚˈeɪ.ʃən/

Meanings

noun

a strong feeling that gives you ideas or enthusiasm to create, improve, or achieve something

noun

a person, place, or thing that makes you feel creative or motivated

Definition

Inspiration is a sudden or strong feeling that gives you new ideas or motivation to create or act.

Inspiration is the feeling of being mentally stimulated to do something creative or meaningful. It often comes from experiences, people, nature, or art and can lead to new ideas or fresh energy. You can also use it to talk about the person or thing that caused that feeling.

Examples

The documentary gave me real inspiration to change how I approach my research.
She found inspiration in the quiet rhythm of the coastline and started a new series of paintings.
His teacher’s feedback became the inspiration for a more ambitious final project.
They drew inspiration from traditional patterns and reimagined them in a modern design.

Common mistake

Learners often confuse inspiration with aspiration: inspiration is the spark or source of ideas, while aspiration is a long-term goal.