Words / B1

in-SPEYE-uh/ɪnˈspaɪə/

To inspire is to make someone want to do something, or to give them a new idea: inspire someone to work harder; inspire confidence; an inspiring speech. Motivate is close but often about goals and rewards; encourage is gentler. Inspiration is the noun: a source of inspiration. Inspired by a true story is a common film phrase. Do not write “inspire someone doing” — use inspire someone to + verb, or inspire + noun (confidence).

Meaning

To make someone feel they want to do something, or to give them a new idea.

Examples

• “The speech inspired the students to work harder.”
• “A good coach can inspire confidence in a nervous team.”
• “Her travels inspired a series of short stories.”

Good to know

inspire someone to + verb. inspire confidence. Noun: inspiration. Close: motivate. Gentler: encourage. Adjective: inspiring.

Near in meaning

motivate

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