Aspire means to have a strong ambition and direct your efforts toward achieving a significant or high-level goal.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To have strong ambition for a high goal.
- Implies upward striving and effort.
- Often followed by 'to'.
Overview
The word 'aspire' is a verb that signifies having a strong ambition or hope to achieve something great or to reach a particular high-level goal. It implies a sense of upward striving, where an individual directs their energies and desires towards a lofty objective, often one that requires significant effort and dedication. It's not just about wishing for something, but actively aiming for it.
Aspire is typically followed by the preposition 'to', indicating the goal or object of the ambition. It can be used in various tenses to describe past, present, or future aspirations. The subject of the verb is usually a person or a group of people who hold these ambitions. The object of 'to' can be a noun, a noun phrase, or an infinitive verb phrase.
This word is frequently encountered in discussions about personal development, career goals, education, and life ambitions. It appears in motivational speeches, self-help literature, and formal writing that discusses aspirations. For instance, students might aspire to excel in their studies, professionals might aspire to leadership positions, and artists might aspire to create groundbreaking work.
'Aim' is a more general term for setting a goal or directing efforts. You can aim for a target in archery, or aim to finish a task. 'Aspire' carries a stronger connotation of high ambition and a desire for a higher status or achievement.
'Yearn' suggests a deep, often melancholic longing for something, especially something that is lost or unattainable. While there's a desire involved, 'aspire' is more active and focused on achievable (though challenging) goals.
'Desire' is a general feeling of wanting something. 'Aspire' is a more active and focused form of desire, specifically directed towards achieving a high status or significant accomplishment.
While 'strive' also implies effort towards a goal, it often emphasizes the hard work and struggle involved more than the lofty nature of the goal itself. One can strive for a promotion, which is a specific goal, but 'aspire' suggests a broader, often more idealistic, ambition, like aspiring to be a respected leader.
Examples
She aspires to become a leading scientist in her field.
academicShe aspires to become a leading scientist in her field.
Many immigrants aspire to a better life for their children.
socialMany immigrants aspire to a better life for their children.
He didn't just want to play the game; he aspired to win championships.
sportsHe didn't just want to play the game; he aspired to win championships.
Young artists often aspire to have their work displayed in major galleries.
professionalYoung artists often aspire to have their work displayed in major galleries.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
aspire to be
to aspire to be
aspire to achieve
to aspire to achieve
aspire to greatness
to aspire to greatness
Often Confused With
'Strive' emphasizes the effort and struggle involved in trying to achieve something. While 'aspire' also involves effort, its primary focus is on the high ambition or the lofty nature of the goal itself.
'Desire' is a general feeling of wanting something. 'Aspire' is a more specific and active form of desire, focused on achieving a significant accomplishment or high status, often involving conscious effort.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Aspire is primarily used as a verb. It often appears in formal contexts, such as discussions about career goals, personal development, or significant life ambitions. The construction 'aspire to + [noun/infinitive]' is standard.
Common Mistakes
A common error is using 'aspire' without the preposition 'to', or using an incorrect preposition like 'for' or 'with'. For example, saying 'She aspires for success' instead of 'She aspires to succeed' or 'She aspires to success'. Ensure the structure is 'aspire to'.
Tips
Focus on lofty ambitions
Use 'aspire' when talking about significant life goals or high achievements, not minor daily tasks.
Avoid overuse in casual talk
While not strictly informal, 'aspire' can sound overly formal or grand if used excessively in very casual conversations about simple desires.
Western ideals of ambition
The concept of 'aspiring' is often linked to cultural narratives emphasizing upward mobility, personal achievement, and the pursuit of dreams, particularly prominent in Western societies.
Word Origin
The word 'aspire' comes from the Latin 'aspirare', meaning 'to breathe upon' or 'to breathe towards'. It evolved to mean 'to long for' and then 'to aim at'.
Cultural Context
The concept of 'aspiring' is deeply embedded in narratives of personal achievement and the 'American Dream' or similar cultural ideals of upward mobility. It reflects a societal value placed on ambition and striving for a better future.
Memory Tip
Think of 'aspire' as 'aspire' - aiming high like an eagle ('asp') soaring towards the sky. It's about reaching for something elevated.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsGenerally, yes. 'Aspire' typically refers to ambitions for positive achievements, personal growth, or reaching a respected status. While one could technically 'aspire' to something negative, it's not the common usage and would likely require further context to be understood that way.
'Hope' is a feeling of expectation and desire for something to happen, often passively. 'Aspire' is more active, involving a conscious decision to aim for and work towards a specific, often challenging, goal.
Yes, you can aspire to abstract qualities or states, such as aspiring to be a better person, aspiring to achieve inner peace, or aspiring to make a difference in the world. The key is that it's a high ideal or significant state you are aiming for.
Not typically. While you might have everyday goals, 'aspire' is generally reserved for more significant, long-term ambitions or reaching a higher level of achievement or status. You wouldn't usually 'aspire' to have lunch, for example.
Test Yourself
Many young professionals ______ to reach senior management positions within their companies.
'Aspire' fits best here as it denotes a strong ambition and hope for a high-level status (senior management).
Which sentence uses 'aspire' correctly?
The correct grammatical structure is 'aspire to + verb' or 'aspire to + noun phrase'. Option B follows this pattern.
Arrange: to / leaders / she / become / aspires / influential
This sentence correctly uses 'aspire to + verb' to express her ambition.
Score: /3
Summary
Aspire means to have a strong ambition and direct your efforts toward achieving a significant or high-level goal.
- To have strong ambition for a high goal.
- Implies upward striving and effort.
- Often followed by 'to'.
Focus on lofty ambitions
Use 'aspire' when talking about significant life goals or high achievements, not minor daily tasks.
Avoid overuse in casual talk
While not strictly informal, 'aspire' can sound overly formal or grand if used excessively in very casual conversations about simple desires.
Western ideals of ambition
The concept of 'aspiring' is often linked to cultural narratives emphasizing upward mobility, personal achievement, and the pursuit of dreams, particularly prominent in Western societies.
Examples
4 of 4She aspires to become a leading scientist in her field.
She aspires to become a leading scientist in her field.
Many immigrants aspire to a better life for their children.
Many immigrants aspire to a better life for their children.
He didn't just want to play the game; he aspired to win championships.
He didn't just want to play the game; he aspired to win championships.
Young artists often aspire to have their work displayed in major galleries.
Young artists often aspire to have their work displayed in major galleries.
Quick Quiz
Many young musicians ____ to perform at Carnegie Hall one day.
Correct!
The correct answer is: aspire
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