verb · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
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UK:/əˈspaɪə(ɹ)/
US:/əˈspaɪɚ/
US:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
rhymes with -aɪə(ɹ)
CMU ARPABET:AH0 S P AY1 R
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
verb
Meaning 1
To have a strong desire or ambition to achieve something.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: intransitive
Examples
to aspire to / for / after / to do something; to aspire that something happens
He aspires to become a successful doctor.
We aspire that the world will be a better place.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: crave, pursue, strive, yearn, dream
Antonyms: none provided
2
verb
Meaning 2
To go as high as, to reach the top of (something).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: obsolete, transitive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: ascend, mount
Antonyms: none provided
3
verb
Meaning 3
To move upward; to be very tall.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract