What is aspiration? Pronunciation and usage in English

aspiration means . Learn how to pronounce and use aspiration through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of aspiration

aspirationnoun

/ˌæspəˈreɪʃn//ˌæspəˈreɪʃn/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "aspiration." It's a tricky word! Here's a guide:

1. Syllable Breakdown:

  • as-piration - Think of it as three syllables: as - piration

2. Pronunciation Guide:

  • "as": This is pronounced just like you'd expect - as in "ask." ( /æz/ )
  • "piration": This is where it gets a little tricky. Let's break it down further:
    • "pir": Pronounce this like "peer" - the sound you make when you're trying to look up something. (/pɪr/)
    • "ation": This is the key. It's pronounced as "ay-shun". The "a" is a short "a" sound like in "hat," and the "shun" is pronounced as "shun" (rhymes with “fun”). (/ˈeɪʃən/)

Putting it all together:

The whole word sounds approximately like: "as-piration" (with a slight emphasis on the "piration" part). It should flow smoothly between the syllables.

Tips & Common Mistakes:

  • Don’t overemphasize the “a” in “as.” It’s a very short sound.
  • Don’t pronounce the "t" in "piration." It's silent.
  • Avoid adding an extra "r" sound after "piration." This is a common mistake.

Resources for Hearing It:

To help me tailor the explanation even further, would you like:

  • To hear an audio example? (I can't actually provide audio here, but I can give you links to resources!)
  • To focus on a specific part of the word that you find challenging (e.g., just the "piration" part)?

Usage and examples with the word aspiration in English

Let's break down how to use the word "aspiration" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different nuances, so understanding those is key.

1. Core Meaning: A Strong Desire

At its most basic, "aspiration" means a strong desire or ambition to achieve something. It’s a goal you're really striving for.

  • Example: “Her biggest aspiration is to become a renowned violinist.” (She really wants to be a famous violinist.)
  • Example: “He has the aspiration to travel the world and experience different cultures.” (He’s determined to travel.)

2. Related to Higher Goals & Values

"Aspiration" often connects to things beyond just personal goals. It can refer to ideals, values, or a sense of what's good and worthwhile.

  • Example: “The company’s aspiration is to provide sustainable and ethical products.” (They want to do business in a responsible way.)
  • Example: “Education is a fundamental aspiration for many families.” (It’s a really important goal for them.)

3. As a Verb – To Aspire To

"To aspire to" means to have a strong desire or ambition to achieve something. It’s a very common usage.

  • Example: “She aspires to become a doctor.” (She wants to be a doctor.)
  • Example: “Many young athletes aspire to play professionally.” (They want to be professional athletes.)

4. In a More Formal/Philosophical Context

"Aspiration" can be used in a more abstract, philosophical way to describe a quality or tendency.

  • Example: "The architecture of the building reflected a certain aspiration to beauty and harmony.” (The building was designed to be beautiful and balanced.)
  • Example: “There’s an underlying aspiration for human progress in much of literature.” (Often, books explore the desire for improvement and advancement.)

Here’s a breakdown of how it's used with different parts of speech:

  • Noun: (the core meaning – a desire, ambition) “His aspiration was to win the race.”
  • Verb (to aspire to): (to have a strong desire to achieve) “She aspires to be a writer.”

Tips for Using "Aspiration" Correctly:

  • It’s relatively formal: While you can use it in casual conversation, it’s generally considered more formal than words like "wish" or "want."
  • It implies effort: "Aspiration" suggests you're actively working towards something. It’s not just a passive wish.
  • Consider the context: Pay attention to the surrounding words to make sure "aspiration" fits the overall meaning.

Resources for More Examples:

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  • Give you more example sentences?
  • Help you differentiate between "aspiration" and similar words (like "ambition," "desire," or "goal")?
  • Provide examples in a specific context (e.g., business, education, personal development)?

Synonyms for the word aspiration

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