aspire

[ uh-spahyuhr ]

verb (used without object)

, as·pired, as·pir·ing.

1. to long, aim, or seek ambitiously; be eagerly desirous, especially for something great or of high value (usually followed by to, after, or an infinitive):

   to aspire after literary immortality; to aspire to be a doctor.

   Synonyms: yearn

2. Archaic. to rise up; soar; mount; tower.

aspire

/ əˈspaɪə /

verb

1. usually foll byto or after to yearn (for) or have a powerful or ambitious plan, desire, or hope (to do or be something)

   to aspire to be a great leader

2. to rise to a great height

Derived Forms

• asˈpiring, adjective
• asˈpirer, noun

Other Words From

• as·pirer noun
• as·piring·ly adverb
• nonas·piring adjective
• unas·piring adjective
• unas·piring·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of aspire¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Middle French aspirer, from Latin aspīrāre “to breathe upon, pant after,” from a- a- ⁵ + spīrāre “to breathe, blow”

Word History and Origins

Origin of aspire¹

C15: from Latin aspīrāre to breathe upon, from spīrāre to breathe

Synonym Study

See ambitious

Example Sentences

None of those delivered the more perfect, truly inclusive democracy that I think we all aspire to have.

From Slate

Taken together, all these attitudes, numbers and contexts offer a blurry explanation as to why the middle class is an ideal to which politicians believe most Americans aspire.

From Salon

Amid the bare branches, flickering candles and migrating birds lies an invitation to reflect not only on the children we once were but also on the adults we aspire to become — and to dwell, for a moment, in the seasonal and spiritual in-between.

From Los Angeles Times

"But it’s also my role to continue to push the narrative for black coaches and make sure others are out there and can use me as an example to aspire to."

From BBC

Still, it helps when those practicing it aspire to something greater.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• crave
• pursue
• strive
• yearn