- inspiration
- in|spi|ra|tion [ˌınspıˈreıʃən] n [U and C]1.) a good idea about what you should do, write, say etc, especially one which you get suddenly▪ The Malvern Hills have provided inspiration for many artists and musicians over the decades.▪ He raised his eyes to the altar as if seeking inspiration .▪ He draws inspiration from ordinary scenes.▪ Mary Quant's inspiration comes from the glam style of the 70s.▪ He had a sudden flash of inspiration .▪ He has always been a source of inspiration for me.2.) a person, experience, place etc that gives you new ideas for something you do▪ The seascapes of Cape Cod were her inspiration.inspiration for/behind▪ He was the inspiration for Wordsworth's poem 'The Old Huntsman'.3.) be an inspiration to sbto make someone feel encouraged to be as good, successful etc as possible▪ People like Tara are an inspiration to us all.4.) under the inspiration of sbused to say who made a person or group want to do something▪ the spread of improved nursing under the inspiration of Florence Nightingale▬▬▬▬▬▬▬COLLOCATES for sense 1provide inspiration (for something)seek/look for inspirationdraw/take inspiration (from somebody/something) (=get inspiration from someone or something)inspiration comes from somebody/somethinghave an inspirationflash of inspirationsource of inspiration (for/to somebody)divine inspiration (=inspiration from God)creative/poetic/artistic inspiration▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
Dictionary of contemporary English. 2013.