inspire etymology

Etymology:

  • From Middle English insipyre, from Anglo-Norman French inspirer, from Latin inspīrāre "to breathe into, to inspire," from in- "into" + spīrāre "to breathe."

Meaning:

  • To fill (someone) with a feeling, idea, or purpose that stimulates action or creativity.
  • To breathe life or vitality into someone or something.
  • As in "inspire confidence" or "inspired by nature."

Origin:

The word "inspire" entered English in the late 14th century, derived from the Latin verb inspīrāre. The root spīrare means "to breathe," and is related to the English word "spirit," which originally referred to the breath of life.

In the 16th century, "inspire" began to be used figuratively, to refer to the act of stimulating someone's mind or emotions. By the 18th century, it had acquired its modern meaning, of filling someone with a feeling or idea that leads to action or creativity.

Today, "inspire" is a common and widely used word, often used in contexts of motivation, art, and personal growth.

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