aspiration

Noun
US[as-per-ey-shuhn]/ˌæspɚˈeɪʃən/4 syllables
Synonyms: ambitiondreaminhalationinspirationintakebreathing in

Open English WordNet

Noun (4)aspirations

  1. a will to succeedType of ambition, ambitiousness
  2. a cherished desire“his ambition is to own his own business”Synonyms: ambitiondreamType of desireKinds American Dream, emulation, nationalism
  3. a manner of articulation involving an audible release of breathType of articulation
  4. the act of inhaling; the drawing in of air (or other gases) as in breathingSynonyms: inhalationinspirationintakebreathing inType of breathKinds gasp, puffPart of breathing, external respiration

Related words aspire verb, aspirate verb, inhale verb, inspire verb

Word of the day · Oct 15About this word
exemplaryadjective

What does it mean? Question 1 of today’s quiz

Advertisement

Webster's Dictionary (1913)

As′pi·ra′tion (…), noun

Origin: L. aspiratio, fr. aspirare: cf. F. aspiration.

1. The act of aspirating; the pronunciation of a letter with a full or strong emission of breath; an aspirated sound.

If aspiration be defined to be an impetus of breathing.— Wilkins.

2. The act of breathing; a breath; an inspiration.

3. The act of aspiring of a ardently desiring; strong wish; high desire. “Aspirations after virtue.” Dr. Samuel Johnson

Vague aspiration after military renown.— William Hickling Prescott

Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54

Advertisement