Inspirit vs. Inspire — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 9, 2024
Inspirit emphasizes infusing with vigor or courage, while inspire broadly means to influence, move, or guide by divine or supernatural inspiration.
Difference Between Inspirit and Inspire
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Inspirit primarily deals with imparting courage, life, or vigor into someone or something, often seen in contexts requiring mental or emotional stimulation. Whereas inspire can have a broader application, including the stimulation of someone to do or feel something, especially something creative or the drawing in of breath; it's about creating an environment or a moment that moves people to action or to experience a deep feeling.
Inspirit is less commonly used in everyday language and tends to convey a more niche or specific sense of encouraging or energizing. On the other hand, inspire is widely used across various contexts, from artistic creativity to motivational speaking, and even in describing the act of inhalation in a biological sense.
The effects of inspirit are often more focused on the immediate enhancement of someone's emotional or psychological state. Whereas, the effects of inspire can be broader, affecting not only emotions and thoughts but also leading to tangible creations or actions as a result of that inspiration.
Inspirit can be seen as a more intimate or targeted act, something that happens in close interactions between individuals or within oneself. On the other hand, inspire can occur on a much larger scale, affecting large groups of people, entire societies, or even generations, often through works of art, literature, speeches, or natural phenomena.
Inspirit conveys a sense of energizing or making someone more determined or spirited in a specific situation. While, inspire carries the connotation of breathing life into ideas or actions, often linked with creativity, innovation, or a sense of purpose that goes beyond the immediate context.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To infuse vigor or courage
To influence, move, or guide, often by divine force
Usage
Less common, specific
Broad, various contexts
Effect
Immediate emotional/psychological enhancement
Broad, leading to actions or creations
Scale
Individual or small group focus
Can affect large groups or societies
Associated terms
Courage, vigor
Creativity, motivation, inhalation
Compare with Definitions
Inspirit
To instill confidence or enthusiasm.
His mentor's advice spirited him as he prepared for the interview.
Inspire
To fill someone with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially creatively.
The sunset inspired her to paint a masterpiece.
Inspirit
To infuse with courage or strength.
The coach's pep talk spirited the team ahead of the big game.
Inspire
To stimulate the mind or emotions to a high level of feeling or activity.
The documentary inspired a new generation of activists.
Inspirit
To enliven or invigorate someone's spirits.
Her enthusiastic support spirited her friend through difficult times.
Inspire
To influence, move, or guide by divine or supernatural inspiration.
The ancient poets were said to be inspired by the muses.
Inspirit
To create an atmosphere of energy or determination.
The vibrant decorations spirited the room, making the event more lively.
Inspire
To create a positive feeling in someone.
His courage in the face of adversity inspired the whole community.
Inspirit
To encourage or motivate towards action.
Seeing others volunteer spirited her to join the community effort.
Inspire
To breathe in; inhale.
He inspired deeply, calming his nerves before the performance.
Inspirit
Inspirit is the first single album of South Korean boy band Infinite. The album was released on March 17, 2011, along with the music video for the album's lead single "Nothing's Over".
Inspire
To affect, guide, or arouse by divine influence.
Inspirit
To instill courage or life into.
Inspire
To fill with enlivening or exalting emotion
Hymns that inspire the congregation.
An artist who was inspired by Impressionism.
Inspirit
To strengthen or hearten; give impetus or vigour.
Inspire
To stimulate to action; motivate
A sales force that was inspired by the prospect of a bonus.
Inspirit
To fill or imbue with spirit.
Inspire
To cause (someone) to have a particular feeling; affect or touch
"At this moment he inspired her with disgust rather than with love" (Anthony Trollope).
Inspirit
To infuse new life or spirit into; to animate; to encourage; to invigorate.
The courage of Agamemnon is inspirited by the love of empire and ambition.
Inspire
To cause someone to have (a feeling or reaction); elicit or arouse
A teacher who inspired admiration and respect.
Inspirit
Infuse with spirit;
The company spirited him up
Inspire
To be the cause or source of; bring about
An invention that inspired many imitations.
Inspire
To draw in (air) by inhaling.
Inspire
To breathe on.
Inspire
To breathe life into.
Inspire
To stimulate energies, ideals, or reverence
A leader who inspires by example.
Inspire
To inhale.
Inspire
(transitive) To infuse into the mind; to communicate to the spirit; to convey, as by a divine or supernatural influence; to disclose preternaturally; to produce in, as by inspiration.
Inspire
(transitive) To infuse into; to affect, as with a superior or supernatural influence; to fill with what animates, enlivens or exalts; to communicate inspiration to.
Elders should inspire children with sentiments of virtue.
The captain's speech was aimed to inspire her team to victory in the final.
Inspire
(intransitive) To draw in by the operation of breathing; to inhale.
Inspire
To infuse by breathing, or as if by breathing.
Inspire
To breathe into; to fill with the breath; to animate.
Inspire
(transitive) To spread rumour indirectly.
Inspire
To breathe into; to fill with the breath; to animate.
When Zephirus eek, with his sweete breath,Inspirèd hath in every holt and heathThe tender crops.
Descend, ye Nine, descend and sing,The breathing instruments inspire.
Inspire
To infuse by breathing, or as if by breathing.
He knew not his Maker, and him that inspired into him an active soul.
Inspire
To draw in by the operation of breathing; to inhale; - opposed to expire.
Forced to inspire and expire the air with difficulty.
Inspire
To infuse into the mind; to communicate to the spirit; to convey, as by a divine or supernatural influence; to disclose preternaturally; to produce in, as by inspiration.
And generous stout courage did inspire.
But dawning day new comfort hath inspired.
Inspire
To infuse into; to affect, as with a superior or supernatural influence; to fill with what animates, enlivens, or exalts; to communicate inspiration to; as, to inspire a child with sentiments of virtue; to inspire a person to do extraordinary feats.
Erato, thy poet's mind inspire,And fill his soul with thy celestial fire.
Inspire
To draw in breath; to inhale air into the lungs; - opposed to expire.
Inspire
To breathe; to blow gently.
And when the wind amongst them did inspire,They wavèd like a penon wide dispread.
Inspire
Heighten or intensify;
These paintings exalt the imagination
Inspire
Supply the inspiration for;
The article about the artist inspired the exhibition of his recent work
Inspire
Serve as the inciting cause of;
She prompted me to call my relatives
Inspire
Urge on or encourage especially by shouts;
The crowd cheered the demonstrating strikers
Inspire
Fill with revolutionary ideas
Inspire
Draw in (air);
Inhale deeply
Inhale the fresh mountain air
The patient has trouble inspiring
The lung cancer patient cannot inspire air very well
Common Curiosities
Is inspirit used commonly in everyday language?
"Inspirit" is less common and more specific than "inspire," which is widely used in various contexts.
What does it mean to inspirit someone?
To inspirit someone means to fill them with courage, strength, or enthusiasm.
Do inspirit and inspire only apply to positive influences?
They generally imply positive effects, but the context can vary; "inspire" particularly has a wide range of applications.
Can inspirit and inspire be used interchangeably?
While they have similar connotations, they're not always interchangeable due to the specific focus of "inspirit" on infusing courage or vigor, versus the broader implications of "inspire."
Can a person inspirit themselves?
Yes, one can inspirit themselves through self-talk, meditation, or by finding personal sources of courage and motivation.
How can one be inspired?
One can be inspired through experiences, art, nature, words, or by witnessing acts of courage and creativity.
Can animals be inspired or inspirited?
While animals can be encouraged or stimulated, "inspired" or "inspirited" typically refers to human emotional and intellectual experiences.
What is an example of inspiration in nature?
The grandeur of a mountain range or the tranquility of a forest can inspire feelings of awe and a deep appreciation for nature.
How does culture influence what inspires us?
Culture shapes our values, aesthetics, and what we consider meaningful or beautiful, thus influencing our sources of inspiration.
Can a difficult experience inspire positive change?
Yes, challenging experiences can inspire personal growth, resilience, and a reevaluation of one's priorities and values.
Is there a scientific explanation for inspiration?
Science links inspiration to cognitive and emotional processes, involving both the spontaneous generation of ideas and the motivational drive to act on them.
What's the difference between being inspired and motivated?
Inspiration often involves a spontaneous feeling that propels creative or intellectual activities, whereas motivation is more about having a reason or incentive to accomplish a specific task.
What role does inspiration play in creativity?
Inspiration is a crucial catalyst in creativity, sparking ideas and fueling the process of creation.
How can one seek inspiration?
One can seek inspiration by exploring new experiences, engaging with various forms of art, spending time in nature, and reflecting on personal values and dreams.
How do leaders inspire their teams?
Leaders inspire their teams through vision, empathy, leading by example, and encouraging innovation and resilience.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
