I enjoy reading definitions. I am fascinated by simple things being explained and described in detail. You can know a lot about something. Yet, when you look at an apple there are few chances you think of it as “the round fruit of a tree of the rose family, which typically has thin green or red skin and crisp”
In Latin inspiration means “breathe into” Yup, it is vital.


In many ancient religions there was a belief that inspiration was brought by muses (Greeks) or gods (Ancient Norse religions) In Christianity it was presented as a gift of the Holy Spirit.
Greeks claimed poets go into ecstasy and thoughts of gods were embodied in them. Inspiration is out of consciousness and outside of the skill, it is an involuntary and received without a complete understanding.
Renaissance burst out with a new wave of divine explanation model of inspiration. People were considered to come into contact with a divine power through a chain of inspiration. With Romanticism time a more mystical meaning of inspiration aroused. John Locke would explain it as a somewhat random but natural association of ideas and unison of thought. Though not everybody had such a miraculous impression of inspiration. For instance, Jonathan Swift called inspiration a form of madness. Different critical assessments would be present in 18-19 century. Yet Romantic notion would oppose them through ideas such as suggested by Edward Young definition of genius. He claim genius is a “god within” that provides inspiration. Modernist Freud persuaded that inspiration is an impact of psychological trauma. But many Romantic writers supported a divine theory.But through history you can come across various models and definitions of inspiration.
Consulting dictionaries?

Inspiration is …
a. Stimulation of the mind or emotions to a high level of feeling or activity.
b. The condition of being so stimulated.
2. An agency, such as a person or work of art, that moves the intellect or emotions or prompts action or invention.
3. Something, such as a sudden creative act or idea, that is inspired.
4. The quality of inspiring or exalting: a painting full of inspiration.
5. Divine guidance or influence exerted directly on the mind and soul of humankind.
6. The act of drawing in, especially the inhalation of air into the lungs.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Inspiration is …
1. stimulation or arousal of the mind, feelings, etc., to special or unusual activity or creativity
2. the state or quality of being so stimulated or aroused
3. someone or something that causes this state
4. an idea or action resulting from such a state
5. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Physiology) the act or process of inhaling; breathing in

Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003

Inspiration is…
1. an inspiring or animating action or influence.
2. something inspired, as an idea.
3. a result of inspired activity.
4. a thing or person that inspires.
5. Theol. a divine influence directly and immediately exerted upon the mind or soul.
6. the drawing of air into the lungs; inhalation.
7. the act of inspiring.
8. the quality or state of being inspired.
Random House Kernerman Webster’s College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc.
It is very important to understand the meaning of a word and know more about its etymology.Though it is better to feel inspiration, not define it.