inspiration

Everyday

1. A sudden good idea, or something that gives you ideas for writing, art or music. tree →
2. A person or thing that makes you want to do well or be like them. tree →
3. (Bible, church) Christians believe the Bible was written with the help of God's Spirit; this is called inspiration. tree →
4. (science) Breathing in. tree →

In the lessons

In writing lessons pupils look for inspiration for stories in pictures, music or nature. In PSHE a role model is «an inspiration». Phrases: «a source of inspiration», «be an inspiration to», «draw inspiration from», «a flash of inspiration».

Examples

• The sea gave me inspiration for my poem. tree →
• My nan is an inspiration — she ran a marathon at 70. tree →
• Suddenly I had a flash of inspiration. tree →
• Many artists drew inspiration from nature. tree →
• The coach was an inspiration to the whole team. tree →
• Christians believe the Bible is inspired by God. tree →
• That was a great firebrand--the firebrand of inspiration. tree →

Note

Use «an» with the countable sense: an inspiration. Verb: inspire. Adjective: inspiring, inspirational.