Exact Match for "aspire"
- aspire⇄aspire, intransitive verb, -pired,-piring.
1. to have an ambition for something; desire earnestly; seek.
Ex. Scholars aspire after knowledge. Tom aspired to be captain of the team.
(SYN) aim, long, crave.
2. to rise high.
E - aspire⇄noun aspirer.
Aspire
Part of Speech
Verb
Pronunciation
/əˈspaɪər/
Definitions
- 1. To have a strong desire or ambition to achieve something.
- 2. To seek or strive for something with a particular goal in mind.
- 3. To direct one's hopes or ambitions toward a specific goal or career.
Usage Examples
- She aspires to become a successful writer.
- He aspired to achieve greatness in his field.
- Many students aspire to attend prestigious universities.
Etymology
The word "aspire" originates from the Latin "aspirare," meaning "to breathe upon," from "ad" (toward) and "spirare" (to breathe). It evolved to mean striving for or seeking something with enthusiasm and determination.
Synonyms
- Desire
- Strive
- Yearn
- Crave
- Seek
Antonyms
- Reject
- Disdain
- Avoid
- Abandon
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Aspirar | /as.piˈɾaɾ/ |
| French | Aspirer | /as.piʁe/ |
| German | Streben | /ˈʃtʁeːbən/ |
| Italian | Aspirare | /aspiraˈre/ |
| Russian | Стремиться (Stremit'sya) | /strʲɪˈmʲit͡sːə/ |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 渴望 (Kěwàng) | /kʰɤ˥˩ wɑŋ˥˩/ |
| Hindi | इच्छा करना (Ichchha Karna) | /ɪtʃˈtʃʰa kəˈrna/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
The pronunciation of "aspire" remains generally consistent across English-speaking regions, with minimal variation. Some regional accents may slightly alter the vowel sounds, but it is largely uniform.
Historical Usage
The verb "aspire" has been used since the 14th century, originally in its Latin form "aspirare." It became popular in English as a metaphorical term to express ambition or strong desire toward a goal, especially in the context of personal or career achievement.
Cultural Nuances
The word "aspire" is deeply associated with personal ambition and the pursuit of success, making it a central concept in many cultures. In Western societies, it is often connected to the "American Dream" or the notion of upward mobility. In other cultures, it might reflect aspirations for family well-being, education, or spiritual fulfillment.
More Information
To aspire is to have an intense drive toward achieving something. It is often linked to personal growth and success. Whether in the arts, sciences, sports, or any other field, aspiring individuals are those who set high goals and dedicate themselves to reaching them. The term is also closely linked to motivation theories, which emphasize goal setting as a key factor in personal achievement. Across various disciplines, the word has been used to inspire and encourage individuals to aim high and strive for excellence in their pursuits.