aspire
UK: əˈspaɪə | US: əˈspaɪər
vi. to have a strong desire or ambition to achieve something
vi. to rise or ascend (archaic/literary)
The word "aspire" originates from Latin aspirare, combining ad- (to, toward) and spirare (to breathe). The literal sense was "to breathe upon" or "to pant after," reflecting the physical act of striving. Over time, it evolved metaphorically to signify ambition or longing, as if one's breath reaches upward toward a goal. The root spire also appears in words like "inspire" (to breathe in) and "expire" (to breathe out), showcasing the pervasive connection between breath and vitality in Latin-derived vocabulary.
She aspires to become a renowned scientist.
Young artists often aspire to greatness despite limited resources.
The mountain climber aspired to reach the summit before dawn.
His speech inspired many to aspire toward social change.
In medieval literature, knights were portrayed as aspiring to honor and glory.