noun
afflatus
uh-FLAY-tus/əˈfleɪtəs/
A sudden burst of creative or poetic inspiration.
An afflatus strikes the composer, who begins writing at the piano.
Etymology
The literal image is a blowing or breathing upon someone. Latin already used this figuratively for inspiration, connecting a creative impulse with the idea of receiving supernatural knowledge or power.
More examples
- She waits for afflatus, but the poem remains unfinished.
- A walk through the woods brings an afflatus that inspires his next painting.
- He revises the melody long after the first afflatus fades.
Forms
afflatus · afflatuses
Similar words
- inspiration
- Inspiration is broader and need not arrive suddenly.
- brainstorm
- Brainstorm suggests a sudden useful idea rather than artistic inspiration.