aspire
verb (transitive)
UK/əˈspaɪər/US/əˈspaɪər/
To strive to attain or accomplish a higher goal or state.
Example Sentences
They aspire to reach new heights in their artistic endeavors.
The organization aspires to create a more sustainable future.
She aspires to achieve excellence in her academic pursuits.
He aspires to master multiple languages through dedicated study.
The company aspires to lead the market with innovative products.
Young writers aspire to publish their first novel within a few years.
He aspires to contribute to scientific advancements that benefit society.
They aspire to build a community that values education and collaboration.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
To strongly aim or yearn for a higher purpose or achievement.“Aspire” generally means to harbor a deep desire or ambition for something beyond your current state—be it success, recognition, or personal growth. When you say “I aspire to become a novelist,” you express both a dream and an intention to work toward it. The term suggests that the goal is somewhat lofty, pushing the speaker to improve, learn, or persevere. Often, individuals who aspire to certain achievements shape their daily habits or career paths around reaching those objectives. In professional or academic settings, “aspire” can appear in mission statements—like “Our organization aspires to lead the industry in innovation”—emphasizing that the aspiration drives the group’s focus and development. On a personal level, mentioning you “aspire to run a marathon” signals a deep commitment, typically requiring dedication and an action plan. The word highlights both the goal and the sense of hope or ambition fueling your journey there.
Alternatives
Synonyms for “aspire” might include “strive,” “aim,” “yearn,” or “long for.” “Strive” emphasizes the effort invested in reaching a target, while “aim” is more neutral about the intensity. “Yearn” or “long for” underscores the emotional or heartfelt side of wanting something dearly. “Set one’s sights on” can substitute in casual contexts, and “endeavor” suits more formal writing when describing persistent effort. Though they all capture the idea of a desired goal, “aspire” focuses strongly on the ideal or higher nature of one’s ambition.
Writing
When using “aspire” in formal or literary writing, be precise about the ambition. For instance, “She aspired to break barriers in biomedical research,” conveys both the personal drive and the field of endeavor. If you’re crafting an essay about motivation, mention how individuals aspire under certain influences—mentors, cultural role models, or innate passions—and discuss the disciplines or steps required. In narratives, referencing a character’s aspirations can hint at their deeper motivations, fueling plot development and conflict—e.g., “He aspired to become the first in his family to attend university, an ambition driving him to work two jobs while studying.” By illustrating how aspirations shape choices and sacrifices, you underscore the character’s determination or the social constraints they face. Whether in scholarly, motivational, or creative texts, clarifying what one aspires to—and why—grounds the meaning of “aspire” in tangible circumstances or emotional context.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, friends might say, “I aspire to open my own bakery someday,” or “We all aspire to something bigger in life, don’t we?” Such casual usage signals a strong personal desire, typically matched with a sense of possibility. Someone may toss off a humorous remark like, “I aspire to be as chill as my cat,” mixing light ambition with self-awareness. If you’re comparing goals with a friend, you might note differences: “I aspire to travel the world, while she aspires to start a nonprofit.” The tone is usually hopeful, painting aspirations as something that propels self-improvement or sparks excitement. Even in relaxed chats, “aspire” can hint at more earnest or profound wishes—like trying a new fitness challenge or returning to college for a degree. It’s a step up from simply “wanting” something, suggesting a dream laced with determination or heartfelt conviction. By saying you aspire to do something, you create a sense of purposeful direction in everyday life, telling others you’re not just daydreaming—you’re committed to working toward that outcome.
Etymology
“Aspire” derives from the Latin “aspirare,” combining “ad-” (to or toward) and “spirare” (to breathe). Literally meaning “to breathe upon,” it evolved into the notion of reaching or longing for something that feels above or beyond the immediate. Old French and Middle English adaptions retained the sense of aspiration as “rising toward” a goal. Over centuries, “aspire” came to frame ambition in a positive, often lofty sense, encompassing both the emotional drive and the strategic path forward. The breathy root underscores that aspiration emerges from within—like inhaling hope or vision, then moving purposefully upward.