inspiration

English

/ɪnspɨˈɹeɪʃən/

noun
Definitions
  • (physiology) The drawing of air into the lungs, accomplished in mammals by elevation of the chest walls and flattening of the diaphragm, as part of the act of respiration.
  • (countable) A breath, a single inhalation.
  • A supernatural divine influence on the prophets, apostles, or sacred writers, by which they were qualified to communicate moral or religious truth with authority; a supernatural influence which qualifies people to receive and communicate divine truth; also, the truth communicated.
  • The act of an elevating or stimulating influence upon the intellect, emotions or creativity.
  • A person, object, or situation which quickens or stimulates an influence upon the intellect, emotions or creativity.
  • A new idea, especially one which arises suddenly and is clever or creative.

Etymology

Borrowed from Old French inspiration derived from Latin īnspīrātiōnem, īnspīrātus.

Origin

Latin

īnspīrātus

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms