inspirationnoun
uk/ˌɪn.spɪˈreɪ.ʃən/us/ˌɪn.spəˈreɪ.ʃən/B2 [ C or U ] someone or something that gives you ideas for doing something:
The golden autumn light provided the inspiration for the painting.
He went to church, perhaps seeking divine inspiration.
C2 [ C ] a sudden good idea:
He had an inspiration - why not apply for some government money?
C2 [ S ] someone that people admire and want to be like:
She has been an inspiration to us all.
More examples
- The idea came to her in a flash of inspiration.
- What was your inspiration for the new designs?
- The artist took his inspiration from African art.
- He drew much inspiration from art produced by children and by primitive cultures.
- In the 1990s he turned to Brazilian music for inspiration.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Inspiration and inspiring
- blue-sky
- breathe
- breathe (new) life into sth idiom
- creative
- engage
- enthral
- entrance 1
- grip
- incentivize
- inspire
- kindle
- muse
- show
- show (sb) the way idiom
- stimulate
- stimulating
- visionary
You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Ideas, concepts and theories
Affecting and influencing