Aspire Definition, Examples & Usage Guide

Meaning 1：To aim high or dream ambitiously (aspire)

aspire 🔊

/əˈspaɪər/

To really want to become or achieve something great in the future.

Young person aspiring to space travel looking up at stars

To aim high or dream ambitiously 🔊

➕

/tuː eɪm haɪ ɔːr driːm æmˈbɪʃəsli/

To have a strong desire to achieve something great, often requiring effort and dedication over time.

📁 Category：Space Exploration 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'aspirare' (ad- 'to' + spirare 'breathe'), meaning 'to breathe upon, to desire'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'A-Spire' = A (first) + Spire (tall tower). You climb a spire to reach your highest goal.

📖 Example

As a little girl, she would look at the stars and aspire to become an astronaut. 🔊 As a little girl, she would look at the stars and aspire to become an astronaut.

🔗 Collocations

aspire to greatness – To aim for outstanding achievement

aspire after knowledge – To strongly desire to gain knowledge

aspire toward a goal – To work steadily towards a specific objective

🔄 Synonyms

strive (v.) – To make great efforts to achieve something

yearn (v.) – To have an intense longing for something

seek (v.) – To attempt to find or obtain something

🚫 Antonyms

despise (v.) – To feel contempt or strong dislike

neglect (v.) – To fail to care for or pay attention to

abandon (v.) – To give up a plan or goal completely

🌱 Derivatives

aspiration (n.) – A strong desire or ambition to achieve something

aspirant (n.) – A person who aspires to a high position or goal

aspiring (adj.) – Showing ambition or desire to succeed

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'aspire' originates from Latin 'aspirare', which combined 'ad' (toward) and 'spirare' (to breathe). In ancient Rome, 'aspirare' meant to breathe upon or favor, later evolving to express a strong desire or ambition, often used in motivational contexts.