Aspiration

Definition

Aspiration refers to a strong desire, ambition, or goal for achieving something significant or meaningful. In a medical or phonetic context, it can also mean the act of drawing in breath or using a burst of air when pronouncing certain sounds.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌæspəˈreɪʃən/
• Respelling: as-puh-RAY-shuhn

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌæspəˈreɪʃən/
• Respelling: as-puh-RAY-shuhn

The pronunciation of "aspiration" is consistent in both American and British English.

Etymology

The term "aspiration" originates from the Latin word "aspiratio," which comes from "aspirare," meaning "to breathe upon" or "to desire." The word entered Middle English in the late 14th century with the sense of "eager desire or ambition."

Derivatives

• Aspire (verb)
• Aspirational (adjective)
• Aspiring (adjective)
• Aspirator (noun)
• Aspirate (verb)

Synonyms

• Ambition
• Goal
• Desire

Antonyms

• Indifference
• Disinterest
• Apathy

Usage

The term "aspiration" is used across contexts, primarily to express personal or professional ambitions or goals. It can describe someone’s aim for advancement, success, or fulfillment in life, often in career, educational, or personal pursuits. In medicine, aspiration can refer to the act of drawing in a substance by suction, such as in medical procedures. In phonetics, it refers to the burst of breath following certain consonant sounds, like the English "p" in "pat."

Related Terms

• Ambition: A strong desire to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work.
• Goal: The object of a person's ambition or effort.
• Dream: A cherished aspiration or ideal.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A strong desire to achieve something: Describes a person’s ambition or hope for reaching a significant goal.
  • Example: "Her aspiration to become a doctor motivated her studies."
• The action or process of drawing in breath: Refers to inhalation, especially in medical contexts.
  • Example: "The doctor used a tube for fluid aspiration from the lungs."
• A burst of breath used when pronouncing certain consonants: In phonetics, refers to the breathy sound following consonants like "p" in "pat."
  • Example: "In English, aspiration occurs in words beginning with 'p,' 't,' and 'k' sounds."