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Inspired

adj. hopeful, energetic warm

What it means

Meaning 1

Filled with a strong creative or uplifting impulse.

Reach for it when describing a person or piece of work energized by a source of inspiration

Inspired by the tide pools, the class built a series of small ceramic habitats.

Meaning 2

Exceptionally apt, original, or successful.

Reach for it when praising a choice that feels both surprising and exactly right

Using the old doorway as the stage frame was an inspired decision.

How strong it is

  1. subtle UpbeatHopeful
  2. noticeable EncouragedHeartened
  3. strong OptimisticExpectant
  4. intense ConfidentInspired
  5. peak BuoyantSanguine

Inspired is intense (4 of 5) among the hope words, from subtle to peak. The scale compares words; it does not measure a person. All hope words

Words to choose between 7

By register, from playful at the top to literary at the bottom, and by meaning across. Tap a word to see when it fits.
Meaning 1Meaning 2
playful
everyday
  • Inspired (this word)
warm
professional
literary

Meaning 1: Filled with a strong creative or uplifting impulse.

  • everyday

    creative

    Fits when original production is the quality being praised

    Careful Creative describes ability or work without the felt impulse of inspired.

  • warm

    energized

    Fits when renewed vigor is more visible than the source idea

    Careful Energized can arise from rest or competition rather than inspiration.

  • professional

    motivated

    Fits when readiness to work toward a goal is the key state

    Careful Motivated does not imply creative or uplifting influence.

  • literary

    moved

    Fits when emotion has deeply affected the person

    Careful Moved may lead to reflection rather than creation or action.

Meaning 2: Exceptionally apt, original, or successful.

  • playful

    brilliant

    Fits when enthusiastic praise for intelligence or success fits

    Careful Brilliant is broader and can sound louder than an elegant inspired choice.

  • professional

    masterful

    Fits when expert control made the result excellent

    Careful Masterful credits skill, while inspired suggests imaginative rightness.

  • literary

    felicitous

    Fits when a choice is both apt and pleasing in elevated prose

    Careful Felicitous is too bookish for ordinary celebration.

Opposites 3

  • uninspired
  • apathetic
  • misguided

Common phrases 3

  • inspired choice

    The translucent roof was an inspired choice for the narrow courtyard.

  • feel inspired

    Visitors often feel inspired after hearing the craftspeople explain their methods.

  • inspired performance

    Her inspired performance made the familiar concerto sound newly discovered.

Word family 2

Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated