Aspire is a six-letter word that describes the desire to achieve or accomplish something. The word is pronounced as /əˈspaɪər/ with the first syllable sounding like a schwa /ə/ and the last syllable pronounced with a long "i" sound /aɪər/. The letter "s" and the letter combination "sp" are pronounced with the sound /s/ while the letter "i" is pronounced as a short "i" /ɪ/. The word's spelling is derived from the Latin word "aspirare" which means "to breathe upon."
Aspire, as a verb, refers to the act of aiming or striving to achieve a particular goal, ambition, or desired outcome. It entails having a strong yearning or determination to succeed and progress in a specific area such as a career, personal development, or an accomplishment. The term can also encompass the idea of setting high hopes or setting one's sights on a specific target.
When someone aspires, they demonstrate a sense of ambition, motivation, and a willingness to put in the necessary effort to reach their aspirations. It often indicates a desire for self-improvement, personal growth, or reaching one's full potential. Aspiration can be fueled by various factors, including personal values, ambitions, inspirations, or a desire for fulfillment.
In essence, aspiring embodies a forward-looking mindset, pushing individuals to dream big, envision their future success, and work diligently towards achieving it. The act of aspiring implies recognizing the potential for growth and progress, while also acknowledging the need for dedication, perseverance, and often overcoming obstacles or challenges along the way.
By aspiring, people embrace the opportunity for personal development, broaden their horizons, and actively pursue their dreams and aspirations. It entails creating a mindset that encourages continuous improvement, aiming for greatness, and taking proactive steps to make positive changes in one's life or chosen field. Aspiring individuals are driven by their ambitions and are willing to invest time, effort, and resources to transform their aspirations into tangible realities.
To desire with eagerness; to pant after; to aim at something that can be obtained with difficulty.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "aspire" originated from the Latin word "aspirare", which combines the prefix "ad" (meaning "to") with "spirare" (meaning "breathe"). Thus, "aspirare" initially referred to "to breathe upon" or "to blow upon". Over time, its meaning evolved to encompass "to long for or desire strongly". In English, "aspire" emerged in the late 14th century, retaining the sense of "ambition" or "seeking after something" that it possesses today.