Advertisement

Advertisement

View synonyms for aspire

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


Discover More

Derived Forms

  • asˈpiring, adjective
  • asˈpirer, noun

Discover More

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

Discover More

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”

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of aspire1

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

Discover More

Synonym Study

Discover More

Example Sentences

As Americans, we should absolutely aspire to more than that.

Cheerleaders fall in love with freaks, jocks aspire to be indie musicians, and relationships are in a constant state of flux.

Most bands these days aspire to reproduce their recordings on stage as faithfully as possible.

My deepest desire is that my work will help people aspire to the life those kinds of images evoke.

Our research indicates they can end up having a similar effect to an 'in-group' in high school that others aspire to join.

I must aspire to the agitating transports of self-devotion, in scenes of sacrifice and peril!

To imitate finite excellence, is to aspire at excellence, even though but in part.

And why should good men claim for it the character of an ordinance of God, to which even of itself it does not aspire?

He made the profession of a teacher the most honorable calling to which a citizen could aspire.

At a time when money might aspire to everything, the millionaire's dreams had nothing very exorbitant.

Advertisement

Related Words

Word of the Day

inveterate

[in-vet-er-it ]

Meaning and examples

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


aspiratoryaspirin