Inspiration vs. Inspired — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 3, 2024
Inspiration refers to the process or moment of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially creative, whereas inspired describes the state of having received this stimulation.
Difference Between Inspiration and Inspired
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Inspiration is the act of feeling mentally stimulated to do something, particularly in creative contexts, such as during brainstorming or artistic creation, while inspired is the adjective describing someone who has experienced such a stimulation.
Inspiration often comes from external sources, like nature, art, or another person's achievements, whereas inspired is a state that reflects an internal realization or emotional uplift.
Inspiration can be fleeting, lasting just a moment before fading, while being inspired usually suggests a longer-lasting effect, possibly leading to the creation of new ideas or projects.
Inspiration is necessary for innovative thinking and can spark significant changes in thought patterns, on the other hand, being inspired is more about the personal transformation that follows the initial spark.
Inspiration is universal and can affect anyone at any time depending on the circumstances, whereas inspired individuals are often seen as motivated, energized, and ready to take on new challenges.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The process of being mentally stimulated to do something creative.
The state of being mentally stimulated.
Duration
Can be momentary.
Often has a lasting effect.
Source
External (art, nature, achievements).
Resultant from inspiration.
Related to
Idea generation, creativity.
Individual’s feeling and motivation.
Outcome
May lead to innovative ideas.
Leads to motivated and energized actions.
Compare with Definitions
Inspiration
A person or thing that inspires.
The athlete became an inspiration to younger players.
Inspired
Influenced by a specific person or work.
The design was inspired by 19th-century architecture.
Inspiration
A sudden brilliant idea.
Her latest novel began as a flash of inspiration during a long walk.
Inspired
Resulting from inspiration.
The painting was clearly inspired by her love of the ocean.
Inspiration
The process of being mentally stimulated.
Inspiration struck him when he saw the sunset.
Inspired
Showing creativity sparked by inspiration.
His latest work is inspired and original.
Inspiration
Influence that motivates someone to create.
His poetry draws inspiration from classical mythology.
Inspired
Filled with the urge to do something creative.
Feeling inspired, she began to sketch the landscape.
Inspiration
The initial phase in the creative process.
Finding inspiration is often the hardest part of writing.
Inspired
Enthusiastically driven by an idea.
He was inspired to start his own business after the seminar.
Inspiration
The excitement of the mind or emotions to a high level of feeling or activity
A singer who found her inspiration in popular songs of the 1920s.
Inspired
Of such surpassing brilliance or excellence as to suggest divine inspiration
An inspired musician.
An inspired performance.
Inspiration
The condition of being so excited
Sat down to write in a sudden burst of inspiration.
Inspired
Having excellence through inspiration.
The actor's inspired performance of Hamlet's soliloquy left the audience dumbfounded.
Inspiration
The quality of being so excited, as manifested in something
A painting full of inspiration.
Inspired
Filled with inspiration or motivated.
The artist was inspired to paint a true masterpiece.
He was inspired to learn to fly.
Inspiration
A person or thing that moves the intellect or emotions or prompts action or invention
Gandhi has been an inspiration to political reformers for decades.
Inspired
(religion) Infused with power or knowledge granted from a supernatural entity; possessing inspiration from the divine.
Korean shamans are thought to be capable of inspired speech, in which they convey the words of the gods.
Inspiration
Something, such as a sudden creative act or idea, that is inspired
Had an inspiration and saw a way to solve the problem.
Inspired
(of air) Drawn into the lungs; inhaled.
Inspiration
Divine guidance or influence exerted directly on a human mind or soul.
Inspired
(obsolete) Inflated.
Inspiration
The act of drawing in, especially the inhalation of air into the lungs.
Inspired
Simple past tense and past participle of inspire.
Inspiration
The drawing of air into the lungs, accomplished in mammals by elevation of the chest walls and flattening of the diaphragm, as part of the act of respiration.
Inspired
Breathed in; inhaled.
Inspiration
(countable) A breath, a single inhalation.
Inspired
Moved or animated by, or as by, a supernatural influence; affected by divine inspiration; as, the inspired prophets; the inspired writers.
Inspiration
A supernatural divine influence on the prophets, apostles, or sacred writers, by which they were qualified to communicate moral or religious truth with authority; a supernatural influence which qualifies people to receive and communicate divine truth; also, the truth communicated.
Inspired
Communicated or given as by supernatural or divine inspiration; having divine authority; hence, sacred, holy; - opposed to uninspired, profane, or secular; as, the inspired writings, that is, the Scriptures.
Inspiration
The act of an elevating or stimulating influence upon the intellect, emotions or creativity.
She was waiting for inspiration to write a book.
Usage notes: In this sense, it may be followed by the adposition to in relation to the person being influenced, and for or to in relation to the idea or activity:
Inspired
Moved to a higher level of thought, creativity, or motivation.
Inspiration
A person, object, or situation which quickens or stimulates an influence upon the intellect, emotions or creativity.
The trip was an inspiration to her for writing a book.
Inspired
Of such surpassing excellence as to suggest divine inspiration;
Her pies were simply divine
The divine Shakespeare
An elysian meal
An inspired performance
Inspiration
A new idea, especially one which arises suddenly and is clever or creative.
Inspiration
The act of inspiring or breathing in; breath; specif. (Physiol.), the drawing of air into the lungs, accomplished in mammals by elevation of the chest walls and flattening of the diaphragm; - the opposite of expiration.
Inspiration
The act or power of exercising an elevating or stimulating influence upon the intellect or emotions; the result of such influence which quickens or stimulates; as, the inspiration of occasion, of art, etc.
Your father was ever virtuous, and holy men at their death have good inspirations.
Inspiration
A supernatural divine influence on the prophets, apostles, or sacred writers, by which they were qualified to communicate moral or religious truth with authority; a supernatural influence which qualifies men to receive and communicate divine truth; also, the truth communicated.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God.
The age which we now live in is not an age of inspiration and impulses.
Inspiration
Arousal of the mind to special unusual activity or creativity
Inspiration
A product of your creative thinking and work;
He had little respect for the inspirations of other artists
After years of work his brainchild was a tangible reality
Inspiration
A sudden intuition as part of solving a problem
Inspiration
(theology) a special influence of a divinity on the minds of human beings;
They believe that the books of Scripture were written under divine guidance
Inspiration
Arousing to a particular emotion or action
Inspiration
The act of inhaling; the drawing in of air (or other gases) as in breathing
Common Curiosities
What is inspiration?
Inspiration refers to the moment or process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something creative.
What does it mean to be inspired?
Being inspired means having received a mental or emotional stimulation that drives one to create or innovate.
How do artists use inspiration?
Artists use inspiration to generate ideas and fuel their creative processes.
What are common sources of inspiration?
Common sources include nature, other people's stories or achievements, and historical or cultural artifacts.
What role does inspiration play in creativity?
It is often the starting point for creative endeavors, providing the initial spark needed to begin creating.
How can one find inspiration?
Inspiration can be found through various sources such as nature, art, music, or significant life events.
Can inspiration be controlled?
While you cannot force inspiration, you can cultivate an environment or mindset conducive to it.
What are the signs of being inspired?
Signs include a burst of energy, a flood of ideas, and an urgent desire to create or express oneself.
How long can one stay inspired?
The duration of feeling inspired varies widely and depends on the individual and the context.
What happens if one loses inspiration?
Loss of inspiration can lead to creative blocks, but these can be overcome by seeking new sources of inspiration.
Can inspiration be shared?
Yes, inspiration can be contagious and shared through storytelling, art, and collaboration.
Is being inspired the same as being motivated?
Being inspired often leads to motivation, but they are not exactly the same; inspiration is the idea or spark, while motivation is the will to act.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
