Inspired Inspire Actors Enthusiasm Extra Examples Verb ɪnˈspaɪə(R

• the actors' enthusiasm inspired the kids.
• the actors inspired the kids with their enthusiasm.
• his superb play inspired the team to a thrilling 5–0 win.
• by visiting schools, the actors hope to inspire children to put on their own productions.

inspire

Verb Forms

1. to give somebody the desire, confidence or enthusiasm to do something well
• The actors' enthusiasm inspired the kids.
• The actors inspired the kids with their enthusiasm.
• His superb play inspired the team to a thrilling 5–0 win.
• 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.
2. 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 Examples

• His paintings were clearly inspired by Monet’s work.
• It was this trip that helped to inspire his interest in Eastern thought.
3. to make somebody have a particular feeling or emotion
• Henry did not inspire confidence as a figure of authority.
• Her work didn't exactly inspire me with confidence.
• 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 Origin

• Middle 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’.