# inspire

/ˌɪnˈspaɪɹ/ (US) · /ɪnspˈaɪə/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/inspire
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to motivate or encourage

verb · CEFR B1

to make someone feel that they want to do something and can do it.

For teachers: to fill someone with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially something creative or positive.

- The teacher's passion for science inspired the students to start their own projects.
- The CEO's keynote address was designed to inspire the workforce during a period of significant corporate restructuring.

Usage: Often used in the passive voice: 'to be inspired by'.

### 2. to give rise to

verb · CEFR B2

to be the reason why someone creates a piece of art, a book, or an idea.

For teachers: to serve as the creative or intellectual catalyst for a specific work or idea.

- The beautiful landscape inspired her to paint a series of watercolours.
- The architect admitted that the jagged peaks of the Alps had inspired the unique geometric roof of the new museum.

### 3. to breathe in

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical

to breathe air into your lungs.

For teachers: to draw air into the lungs; the physiological act of inhalation.

- The doctor asked the patient to inspire deeply while he listened to her chest.
- During the respiratory assessment, the patient was instructed to inspire slowly to allow for a clear auscultation of the lower lung lobes.

Usage: In modern English, 'inhale' is much more common for everyday use; 'inspire' is largely restricted to medical or formal contexts.

## Examples

- The beautiful sunset inspires me to paint.
- The teacher's passion for history continues to inspire her students to pursue their own research projects.
- Great leaders do not merely issue commands; they inspire their followers to transcend their perceived limitations and work toward a shared vision of the future.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.