noun / adjective
aspirant
AS-puh-runt/ˈæspɝʌnt/
Seeking a position or achievement, or a person doing so.
The aspirant practices violin beside the stage door, eager for a performance opportunity.
Etymology
‘Breathe toward’ became ‘strive to reach,’ with the image explained as panting with desire, or perhaps rising smoke. The participial form names someone engaged in that striving: a candidate or seeker.
In context
It is also to provide the spiritual energy that will accelerate the spiritual development of the aspirant or the student.
More examples
- The contest attracts young literary aspirants.
- An aspirant politician addresses the neighborhood meeting.
- She was one of several aspirants to the leadership.
Forms
aspirant · aspirants
Similar words
- candidate
- Usually formally considered for a position rather than merely seeking it.
- hopeful
- A less formal noun for someone seeking success or selection.