aspire
Definitions
To direct one's hopes or ambition toward achieving something (usually high or difficult).
渴望，立志（朝着某个通常高远的目标努力）。
Root Breakdown
Native Englisha-/ad- (toward) + spire (breathe) = 'to breathe toward' something. Imagine someone reaching upward, panting with effort — to aspire is to strain breathlessly toward a goal you badly want. It almost always points high: people aspire to greatness, leadership, a better life.
Root spir still carries 34 more wordsUsage Guide
aspire takes 'to': aspire TO be a doctor / aspire TO a higher position. 'Aspire for' and 'aspire towards' exist but are far less standard — stick to 'aspire to.' It carries an upward, ambitious tone, so it pairs with worthy goals, not trivial ones (you don't 'aspire to eat lunch').
Example Sentences
- 1.
She aspires to become a surgeon one day.
- 2.
Many young writers aspire to publish a novel.
- 3.
He aspired to a leadership role within the company.