aspiring
UK: əˈspaɪərɪŋ | US: əˈspaɪrɪŋ
adj. having a strong desire to achieve or become something
adj. striving toward a goal or ideal
aspiring = a<to> + spir<breathe> + ing<present participle suffix>
- a- (prefix): Variant of "ad-" (Latin origin), meaning "to" or "toward."
- spir (root): From Latin "spirare," meaning "to breathe." Figuratively extended to "aspire" (to breathe toward a goal).
- -ing (suffix): Present participle suffix in English, indicating ongoing action or state.
Etymology Origin:
The word "aspiring" traces back to the Latin "aspirare," combining "ad-" (toward) and "spirare" (breathe). The metaphor of "breathing toward" evolved into the modern sense of striving ambitiously. By the 16th century, "aspire" entered English with its current meaning, and "aspiring" emerged as its participial form, capturing the persistent pursuit of aspirations.
She is an aspiring novelist, working on her first manuscript.
The aspiring actor moved to Hollywood to chase his dreams.
Many aspiring athletes train rigorously for the Olympics.
His speeches inspired a room full of aspiring leaders.
Despite setbacks, she remained an aspiring entrepreneur.