noun

inspiration

in-spuh-RAY-shuhn/ˌɪnspəˈreɪʃn/

An influence that sparks creative ideas or motivation.

The seashell's spiral provides inspiration for the designer's curved chair sketch.

An adult white female designer sees the spiral form of a seashell and suddenly sketches a matching curved chair shape.

Etymology

inLatininto

+spirLatinto breathe

+ationLatinaction or process

The image of “breathing into” seems to have developed into imparting life or influence, especially divine influence. A creative inspiration similarly animates the mind, supplying an idea or impulse to act.

In context

Arlington Community Media Inc.4:51

you could log on to 7am and get your butt in the chair and get some creative inspiration and then start you know writing

Arlington Author Salon – October 06, 2022

More examples

His determination is an inspiration to the whole team.
She draws inspiration from the patterns on fallen leaves.
Old family photographs are among the novel's main inspirations.

Forms

inspiration · inspirations

inspire verb — To spark creative ideas or motivation.

inspirational adjective — Providing encouragement or fresh creative ideas.

Similar words

muse: A muse is specifically a source of artistic inspiration.
motivation: Motivation emphasizes the drive to act rather than create.
stimulus: A stimulus prompts a response, not necessarily creative thought.