ASPIRE

Aspire is a verb that means to have a strong desire or ambition to achieve something. It is commonly used with to-infinitives, as in “to aspire to a career in medicine” or “to aspire to leadership.” The term can describe a general drive toward higher achievement, ethical ideals, or social status, and it is often paired with words like greatness, excellence, or success. The related noun aspiration refers to the goal itself or the act of aspiring, while aspiring describes someone who is striving toward a goal.

Etymology: The word derives from Latin aspirare, meaning “to breathe upon” or “to draw in breath,” carried into English via Old French and Middle English. The original sense of drawing air gave way, by metaphor, to the idea of drawing in ambition or a mental goal.

Uses and cultural references: Beyond its everyday verb sense, aspire is widely used in branding and organizational naming to convey motivation and growth. Notably, Acer uses “Aspire” for a line of consumer laptops and desktops aimed at students and home users. The term also appears in educational programs, charitable initiatives, and corporate projects that emphasize opportunity, personal development, or achievement. In common discourse, people speak of aspiring to higher goals or roles, and of aspirations shaping life choices and planning. Related forms include aspiring (adjective) and aspiration (noun).