inspiring
UK[ɪnˈspaɪərɪŋ]US[ɪnˈspaɪrɪŋ]
adj
making someone feel enthusiastic, interested, or eager to do something
adj
creating a feeling of admiration through being impressive or excellent
Morpheme Breakdown
in
spir
ing
in
into
spir
breathe
ing
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word 'inspiring' is built upon the verb 'inspire', which entered english in the late 14th century from old french 'inspirer', itself derived from latin 'inspirare'. this latin verb is a compound of the prefix 'in-' (meaning 'into') and 'spirare' (meaning 'to breathe'). the literal sense was 'to breathe or blow into', a concept used in ancient and medieval physiology to describe a divine or supernatural force imparting a truth or idea, much like a breath giving life. over time, this concrete action evolved into the abstract meaning of filling someone with a feeling, thought, or urge, leading to the modern sense of stimulating creativity, enthusiasm, or a noble purpose. the '-ing' suffix then adapts this action into an adjective describing something that possesses this evocative quality.
Analysis
Structure: in (into) + spir (breathe) + ing (adjective suffix)
- in: a latin prefix meaning 'into, in, on, upon'.
- spir: from latin 'spirare', meaning 'to breathe'.
- ing: an english suffix forming present participles and adjectives from verbs.
Examples
she gave an inspiring speech that motivated the entire team.
the view from the mountain top was truly inspiring.
he found her dedication to charity work deeply inspiring.