aspiration
ass-puh-RAY-shun
/ˌæspəˈreɪʃn/
A hope or ambition of achieving something; strong desire for high achievement.
Connotes noble, long-term goals or elevated ideals rather than trivial daily wants.
The story behind the word. Latin 'aspirare' literally meant 'to breathe toward'. Figuratively, it described panting with eager longing for something noble, as if reaching out to catch the very breath of greatness.
Word relationships
- ambition: Ambition often stresses personal advancement or status, while aspiration highlights noble hopes.
- aim: Aim is more concrete and target-oriented than aspiration.
- apathy: Apathy indicates an absence of ambition or emotional investment.
- indifference: Indifference means having no interest or desire for achievement.
Commonly confused with
- inspiration: Inspiration is the spark of creative feeling, whereas aspiration is the enduring wish to achieve a grand goal.
Word family
- aspire (verb): To direct one's hopes toward achieving something.
- aspirational (adjective): Having or showing a desire to achieve high status.
Collocations
- career aspirations
- highest aspiration
- fulfill an aspiration
- lofty aspirations
Idioms & expressions
- reach for the stars
Example sentences
- "Her career aspiration was to become the chief executive officer before turning forty." Career development
- "America is a nation built on the aspirations of working families seeking a better life." Political speech
Memory hook
ASPIRATION = A SPIRIT breathing high hopes into your heart. Breathing for greatness.
When not to use
Avoid using for immediate biological cravings like hunger or thirst.
Fun facts
- Medical language also uses 'aspiration' to mean drawing fluid out of a body cavity or accidentally inhaling foreign material.
Related words
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