Word
inspiring
Phoneticsin·spir·ing
US/ˌɪnˈspaɪɝɪŋ/
UK/ɪnspˈaɪəɹɪŋ/
Definitions
01encouraging or motivating
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. making you feel enthusiastic and eager to do something great.
adj. providing motivation or creative stimulus; having the quality of encouraging others to achieve or create.
“The teacher gave an inspiring speech that made the students want to work harder.”
“The CEO's inspiring vision for the company's future convinced the investors to provide the necessary capital despite the economic downturn.”
Pitfall
I am very inspiring by his story.
I am very inspired by his story.
Use 'inspiring' for the thing that gives the feeling (the story) and 'inspired' for the person who has the feeling (me).
Synonyms
Antonyms
02giving someone an idea
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. the action of filling someone with a feeling or a creative idea.
v. the present participle of 'inspire', used to describe the ongoing act of motivating or eliciting a specific emotion in others.
“She is currently inspiring a whole new generation of young female scientists.”
“By sharing her personal journey of overcoming adversity, she is inspiring thousands of people to pursue their dreams regardless of their background.”
Usage
As a verb, it often takes a direct object representing the person or group being influenced.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“He would never dream of saying so himself, but Thomas is an American hero and the nation’s most inspiring man.” “But he’s still speaking on YouTube, still being reprinted and still provoking and inspiring a fresh generation of writers.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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