Question

She was an inspiration to Florence Griffith Joyner, the next female to win three gold medals at the Olympic Games, and to many other young athletes around the world.

The word "inspiration" includes the Latin root spir, which means "breath." Based on its root, what is the meaning of inspiration?

Answer 1

The word "inspiration," based on its Latin root "spir," which means "breath," implies the idea of being filled with a vital breath or spirit. In a broader sense, inspiration can mean the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially something creative or uplifting. It conveys a sense of being enlivened or motivated by an external influence, much like how breath is essential for life. Therefore, inspiration can be understood as a breath of ideas or encouragement that energizes and motivates individuals, particularly in the context of creativity or achieving goals, such as in athletics.