aspire
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
to have a strong desire or hope to achieve something important.
to direct one's hopes or ambitions towards achieving a specific, often elevated, goal.
Simple“Many young athletes aspire to play in the professional leagues one day.”
In context“While many students simply want to pass, she aspires to lead the research department after completing her doctorate.”
UsageIntransitive; typically followed by the preposition 'to'.
PitfallShe aspires for becoming a doctor. She aspires to become a doctor.The verb 'aspire' is usually followed by 'to' and an infinitive verb, or 'to' and a noun phrase.
- 02 C2 Proficiency
to reach upward or be very tall.
to rise or reach to a great height; to tower.
Simple“The ancient towers aspire toward the clouds above the city.”
In context“The cathedral's gothic spires aspire to the heavens, dominating the skyline of the medieval town.”
UsageUsed in a physical sense to describe tall structures or mountains.
“Not talking about the consequences of life-threatening weight loss could unintentionally send a message that unhealthy levels of thinness is an ideal body type to aspire to.”
“It should also show that donors do not have to aspire to “make all mankind good and happy” to make an important difference.”
From Middle English aspiren, from Old French aspirer, from Latin aspīrō (“breathe on; approach; desire”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.