What does "inspirational" mean?

1. (motivating or uplifting) making you feel full of hope or giving you the energy to do something great. 2. (uplifting media) a book, article, or video that is made to make people feel positive and motivated.

How do you use "inspirational"?

Often used to describe speeches, leaders, or life stories.

inspirational

adj. · n.

US //ˌɪnspɝˈeɪʃənəɫ// UK //ˌɪnspəɹˈeɪʃənəl// in·spi·ra·tional

1 motivating or uplifting (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

making you feel full of hope or giving you the energy to do something great.

providing or showing creative or spiritual inspiration; having the quality of motivating others toward positive action or thought.

Example

The coach gave an inspirational speech that made the team believe they could win.

Example

Her journey from a small village to a world-renowned scientist is truly inspirational for young students everywhere.

Usage

Often used to describe speeches, leaders, or life stories.
- depressing
- uninspiring
2 uplifting media (n.)
C2 Proficiency Formal

a book, article, or video that is made to make people feel positive and motivated.

a work of literature or media specifically intended to provide spiritual or emotional encouragement.

Example

She spends her mornings reading inspirationals to start the day with a positive mind.

Example

The library maintains a separate section for inspirationals, ranging from religious texts to modern motivational essays.

Teacher's tip

The noun form is much less common than the adjective; learners should focus on the adjective use first.
- self help
- devotional

Origin

From inspiration + -al.

Word family

Nouninspiration
Adjectiveinspirational