• Aspire

    Pronunciation

    • RP IPA: /əˈspaiÉ™/
    • US IPA: /əˈspaiÉš/

    Origin

    From Old French aspirer.

    Full definition of aspire

    Verb

    1. (intransitive) To hope or dream; especially to hope or work towards a profession or occupation (followed by to as a preposition or infinitive particle).He aspires to become a successful doctor.
      • Alexander PopeAspiring to be angels, men rebel.
    2. (transitive, obsolete) To aspire to; to long for; to try to reach; to mount to.
      • ShakespeareThat gallant spirit hath aspired the clouds.
    3. To rise; to ascend; to tower; to soar.
      • WallerMy own breath still foments the fire,
        Which flames as high as fancy can aspire.

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