Words / B2

insp-uh-RAYSHUN/ˌɪnspəˈreɪʃn/

Inspiration is a person or thing that sparks ideas, or a burst of creative energy (often uncountable): a source of inspiration; inspiration for the poem. Inspire is the verb (already in the dictionary). Evidence the mill chimney as inspiration. Science also: breathing in (specialist). Do not write “an inspiration” for every mildly helpful teacher unless you mean it.

Meaning

A person or thing that gives you new ideas; also a feeling of creative energy.

Examples

• “The poet cited the mill chimney as inspiration, which the commentary must evidence.”
• “A moment of inspiration is not a methods section, which is the exam warning.”

Good to know

inspiration for / from; a source of inspiration. Verb: inspire. Uncountable in many uses. Literature and speeches. Ideas, not inhalation in English papers.

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