inspire
verb /ɪnˈspaɪə(r)/
/ɪnˈspaɪər/
Verb Forms
| present simple I / you / we / they inspire | /ɪnˈspaɪə(r)/ /ɪnˈspaɪər/ |
| he / she / it inspires | /ɪnˈspaɪəz/ /ɪnˈspaɪərz/ |
| past simple inspired | /ɪnˈspaɪəd/ /ɪnˈspaɪərd/ |
| past participle inspired | /ɪnˈspaɪəd/ /ɪnˈspaɪərd/ |
| -ing form inspiring | /ɪnˈspaɪərɪŋ/ /ɪnˈspaɪərɪŋ/ |
- to give somebody the desire, confidence or enthusiasm to do something well
- inspire somebody The actors' enthusiasm inspired the kids.
- inspire somebody with something The actors inspired the kids with their enthusiasm.
- inspire somebody to something His superb play inspired the team to a thrilling 5–0 win.
- inspire somebody to do something By visiting schools, the actors hope to inspire children to put on their own productions.
Extra Examples- The director inspired everybody on the project.
- As a teacher, she has inspired generations of students.
- She was inspired to write the song following the birth of her daughter.
- inspire something to give somebody the idea for something, especially something artistic or that shows imagination
- The choice of decor was inspired by a trip to India.
- His tragic story later inspired a Hollywood film.
Extra ExamplesTopics Literature and writingb2, Artb2- His paintings were clearly inspired by Monet’s work.
- It was this trip that helped to inspire his interest in Eastern thought.
- to make somebody have a particular feeling or emotion
- Henry did not inspire confidence as a figure of authority.
- inspire somebody with something Her work didn't exactly inspire me with confidence.
- inspire something in somebody As a general, he inspired great loyalty in his troops.
Extra Examples- The council's record in this area inspires little respect.
- She is a young woman who inspires trust in everyone she meets.
Word OriginMiddle English enspire, from Old French inspirer, from Latin inspirare ‘breathe or blow into’ from in- ‘into’ + spirare ‘breathe’. The word was originally used of a divine or supernatural being, in the sense ‘impart a truth or idea to someone’.