inspiration
noun
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The Inspirational History of Inspiration
Inspiration has an unusual history in that its figurative sense appears to predate its literal one. It comes from the Latin inspiratus (the past participle of inspirare, “to breathe into, inspire”) and in English has had the meaning “the drawing of air into the lungs” since the middle of the 16th century. This breathing sense is still in common use among doctors, as is expiration (“the act or process of releasing air from the lungs”). However, before inspiration was used to refer to breath it had a distinctly theological meaning in English, referring to a divine influence upon a person, from a divine entity; this sense dates back to the early 14th century. The sense of inspiration often found today (“someone or something that inspires”) is considerably newer than either of these two senses, dating from the 19th century.
Examples of inspiration in a Sentence
Colleen Murphy, Health, 28 Oct. 2025
At the time, little was known about the sneaker, including its oceanic inspiration.
—Riley Jones, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2025
Some take cozy autumn inspiration from When Harry Met Sally, while others want the dark and moody aesthetic from Hocus Pocus.
—Kylie Petty, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Oct. 2025
Immersive entertainment lessons from London This isn’t the first time Blumenthal Arts has looked to London for immersive inspiration.
—Adam Bell, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inspiration
Cite this Entry
“Inspiration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inspiration. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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inspiration
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inspiration
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