inspiration

/,inspə'reiʃn/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
inspiration

A writer finds inspiration while walking in the autumn woods.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • The process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something creative: A state of heightened creativity or enthusiasm, often leading to artistic or intellectual work.
    • A sudden brilliant or timely idea: A specific thought or concept that occurs suddenly and feels novel or enlightening.
    • The drawing in of breath; inhalation: The physical act of breathing in.
    • A person or thing that inspires: Someone or something that serves as a source of creative stimulation or motivation.
    • (Theology) Divine guidance or influence: A supernatural influence believed to guide human thought or action, especially in religious contexts.
Examples of Usage
  • As a state of creativity:
    • The artist found inspiration in the natural landscape.
    • She writes her best poetry in moments of pure inspiration.
  • As a sudden idea:
    • I had a sudden inspiration for how to solve the problem.
    • The design was based on a flash of inspiration.
  • As inhalation:
    • (Medical/Technical) The inspiration of air into the lungs is an active process.
  • As a source:
    • Her teacher was her greatest inspiration.
    • The story of his perseverance is an inspiration to us all.
  • In theology:
    • Many believe the sacred texts were written under divine inspiration.
Advanced Usage
  • "Breath of inspiration": A metaphor for a sudden influx of creative ideas.
    • The writer waited for a breath of inspiration to continue the novel.
  • "On/Under the inspiration of": Acting because of the influence of something.
    • He painted the mural on the inspiration of ancient cave art.
  • "A moment of inspiration": A specific point in time when a good idea occurs.
    • The invention was the result of a single moment of inspiration.
Variants and Related Words
  • Inspire (verb): To fill someone with the urge or ability to do or feel something creative; to breathe in.
    • The speech inspired the crowd to take action.
  • Inspirational (adjective): Providing or showing creative or spiritual inspiration.
    • She gave an inspirational talk about overcoming challenges.
  • Inspiratory (adjective): Relating to the inhalation of air.
    • (Medical) The inspiratory muscles contract during breathing in.
Synonyms
  • Stimulus: Something that encourages activity or development.
  • Muse: A person or personified force who is the source of inspiration for an artist.
  • Brainwave: A sudden clever idea.
  • Inhalation: The action of breathing in.
Related Phrases
  • "Seek inspiration": To actively look for sources of creative ideas.
    • The designer traveled to seek inspiration from different cultures.
  • "Source of inspiration": The origin from which creative stimulation comes.
    • Her family has always been her source of inspiration.
Related Idioms
  • "A bolt from the blue": A sudden and complete surprise, often leading to a new idea (similar to a sudden inspiration).
    • The solution hit him like a bolt from the blue.
  • "Strike while the iron is hot": To take advantage of an opportunity immediately, which can apply to acting on a moment of inspiration.
    • You just had a great idea for a storystrike while the iron is hot and start writing!
inspiration

A writer finds inspiration while walking in the autumn woods.

Noun
  1. the act of inhaling; the drawing in of air (or other gases) as in breathing
  2. arousing to a particular emotion or action
  3. (theology) a special influence of a divinity on the minds of human beings
    • they believe that the books of Scripture were written under divine guidance
  4. a sudden intuition as part of solving a problem
  5. a product of your creative thinking and work
    • he had little respect for the inspirations of other artists
    • after years of work his brainchild was a tangible reality
  6. arousal of the mind to special unusual activity or creativity