ENGLISH
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aspiration

n. C / U
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˌæspɝˈeɪʃən// UK //ˌæspəɹˈeɪʃən// as·pi·ra·tion

n. a strong hope or dream to achieve something great in the future. It is the goal you work toward because you want to improve your life or career.

n. a strong desire, longing, or aim to achieve something high or great. Often used in the plural to describe a set of professional or personal goals.


SIMPLE

Her aspiration is to become a professional pilot.

CONTEXTUAL

The scholarship program helps students with high academic aspirations who lack the financial means to attend university.

COMPLEX

While the company's global aspirations are clear, its immediate success depends on whether it can navigate the complex regulatory environment of its home market.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

From aspire + -ation.

Etymology 2

From aspirate + -ion or borrowed from Latin aspīrātiō.

Usage

Often followed by the preposition 'to' plus an infinitive, or 'for' plus a noun phrase.

Pitfall

His aspiration of becoming a doctorHis aspiration to become a doctorWhile 'dream of' is common, 'aspiration' is more naturally followed by a 'to' infinitive.

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