aspire

verb

as·​pire ə-ˈspī(-ə)r 

aspired; aspiring

intransitive verb

1

: to seek to attain or accomplish a particular goal

She aspired to a career in medicine.

2

: ascend, soar

aspirer noun

Synonyms

• aim
• allow [chiefly Southern & Midland]
• calculate
• contemplate
• design
• go [chiefly Southern & Midland]
• intend
• look
• mean
• meditate
• plan
• propose
• purport
• purpose

Examples of aspire in a Sentence

aspire to great deeds, and you have a better chance of doing good deeds

a tower aspiring towards the heavens

Recent Examples on the Web

Where to Watch Every Season of Survivor Thousands of applications pour in each year, but according to Probst, in order to stand out, aspiring contestants need to show drive, self-awareness and authenticity. —Emily Weaver, Peoplemag, 31 May 2024

However, the Kansas Arborists Association offers a training program for aspiring tree trimmers. —Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 31 May 2024

This seems like a hassle for esports tournament organizers, or any aspiring competitive player. —PCMAG, 30 May 2024

His movie credits include Black Ice, which follows a group of aspiring ice climbers from the Memphis Rox gym to the wilds of Montana, where the young climbers are mentored by mountaineering icons Conrad Anker, Manoah Ainuu and Fred Campbell. —John Meyer, The Denver Post, 28 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French aspirer, from Latin aspirare, literally, to breathe upon, from ad- + spirare to breathe

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

aspire

verb

as·​pire ə-ˈspī(ə)r 

aspired; aspiring

: to work to get something high or great

aspirer noun