aspiring
UK[əˈspaɪərɪŋ]US[əˈspaɪrɪŋ]
adj
Having a strong desire to achieve something or to be successful in a particular activity or profession.
Morpheme Breakdown
a
spir
ing
a
towards
spir
breathe
ing
adjective suffix
Etymology
The word 'aspiring' originates from the Latin verb aspirare, meaning "to breathe upon, to strive for". This verb is a compound of ad- ("to, towards") and spirare ("to breathe"). The metaphorical sense of "breathing towards" something evolved into the meaning of directing one's desires or ambitions ardently toward a goal, much like one directs their breath. The present participle suffix '-ing' was attached to the verb 'aspire' in Middle English, forming an adjective that describes someone actively engaged in this act of striving and ambition.
Analysis
Structure: a (towards) + spir (breathe) + ing (adjective suffix)
a: Latin ad- prefix, meaning "to, towards".
spir: Latin root spirare, meaning "to breathe".
ing: Old English present participle suffix, used to form adjectives from verbs.
Examples
She is an aspiring novelist, working on her first manuscript.
The program offers guidance for aspiring young entrepreneurs.
He took lessons from a renowned master, fulfilling a dream for any aspiring musician.