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Spark vs Inspire - What's the difference?

spark | inspire |

In transitive terms the difference between spark and inspire

is that spark is to trigger, kindle into activity (an argument, etc) while inspire is to spread rumour indirectly.

In intransitive terms the difference between spark and inspire

is that spark is to give off a spark or sparks while inspire is to draw in by the operation of breathing; to inhale.

As a noun spark

is a small particle of glowing matter, either molten or on fire.

spark

English

(wikipedia spark)

Etymology 1

From Middle English sparke, sperke, from Old English spearca, from (etyl) ).

Noun

(en noun)
  • A small particle of glowing matter, either molten or on fire.
  • A short or small burst of electrical discharge.
  • A small, shining body, or transient light; a sparkle.
  • (figuratively) A small amount of something, such as an idea, that has the potential to become something greater, just as a spark can start a fire.
  • * Shakespeare
  • if any spark of life be yet remaining
  • * John Locke
  • We have here and there a little clear light, some sparks of bright knowledge .
  • * 2013 , Phil McNulty, "[http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23830980]", BBC Sport , 1 September 2013:
  • Everton's Marouane Fellaini looks one certain arrival but Moyes, who also saw United held to a draw by Chelsea at Old Trafford on Monday, needs even more of a spark in a midfield that looked laboured by this team's standards.
  • (in plural'' sparks ''but treated as a singular ) A ship's radio operator.
  • (UK, slang) An electrician.
  • Synonyms
    * gnast * beginnings, germ, glimmer
    Derived terms
    * sparkle * bright spark * spark arrester * spark coil * spark gap * spark knock * spark of life * spark plug * spark transmitter * sparks fly

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To trigger, kindle into activity (an argument, etc).
  • * {{quote-news
  • , year=2012 , date=May 5 , author=Phil McNulty , title=Chelsea 2-1 Liverpool , work=BBC Sport citation , page= , passage=The introduction of substitute Andy Carroll sparked Liverpool into life and he pulled a goal back just after the hour - and thought he had equalised as Kenny Dalglish's side laid siege to Chelsea's goal in the closing stages.}}
  • To give off a spark or sparks.
  • Derived terms
    * spark off * sparkle

    Etymology 2

    probably Scandinavian, akin to (etyl) sparkr 'sprightly'

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A gallant, a foppish young man.
  • * Prior
  • The finest sparks and cleanest beaux.
  • A beau, lover.
  • Verb

    (en verb)
  • To woo, court.
  • Derived terms

    * sparkish * sparker

    References

    *

    Anagrams

    * ----

    inspire

    English

    Verb

    (inspir)
  • To infuse into the mind; to communicate to the spirit; to convey, as by a divine or supernatural influence; to disclose preternaturally; to produce in, as by inspiration.
  • * Bible, Wisdom xv. 11
  • He knew not his Maker, and him that inspired into him an active soul.
  • * Shakespeare
  • Dawning day new comfort hath inspired .
  • * {{quote-magazine, year=2012, month=March-April
  • , author=Anna Lena Phillips , title=Sneaky Silk Moths , volume=100, issue=2, page=172 , magazine=(American Scientist) citation , passage=Last spring, the periodical cicadas emerged across eastern North America. Their vast numbers and short above-ground life spans inspired awe and irritation in humans—and made for good meals for birds and small mammals.}}
  • To infuse into; to affect, as with a superior or supernatural influence; to fill with what animates, enlivens or exalts; to communicate inspiration to.
  • Elders should inspire children with sentiments of virtue.
  • * Dryden
  • Erato, thy poet's mind inspire , / And fill his soul with thy celestial fire.
  • To draw in by the operation of breathing; to inhale.
  • * Harvey
  • forced to inspire and expire the air with difficulty
  • To infuse by breathing, or as if by breathing.
  • (archaic) To breathe into; to fill with the breath; to animate.
  • * Alexander Pope
  • Descend, ye Nine, descend and sing, / The breathing instruments inspire .
  • To spread rumour indirectly.
  • Synonyms

    * (l)

    Antonyms

    * (inhale) expire

    Derived terms

    * inspirer

    Anagrams

    * ----