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Intrigue vs Inspire - What's the difference?

intrigue | inspire |

In intransitive terms the difference between intrigue and inspire

is that intrigue is to have clandestine or illicit intercourse while inspire is to draw in by the operation of breathing; to inhale.

In transitive terms the difference between intrigue and inspire

is that intrigue is to fill with artifice and duplicity; to complicate while inspire is to spread rumour indirectly.

As a noun intrigue

is a complicated or clandestine plot or scheme intended to effect some purpose by secret artifice; conspiracy; stratagem.

intrigue

English

Alternative forms

* entrigue

Noun

(en noun)
  • A complicated or clandestine plot or scheme intended to effect some purpose by secret artifice; conspiracy; stratagem.
  • The plot of a play, poem or romance; the series of complications in which a writer involves their imaginary characters.
  • Clandestine intercourse between persons; illicit intimacy; a liaison.
  • Verb

    (intrigu)
  • To conceive or carry out a secret plan intended to harm; to form a plot or scheme.
  • To arouse the interest of; to fascinate.
  • * {{quote-magazine, date=2012-03
  • , author= , title=Pixels or Perish , volume=100, issue=2, page=106 , magazine= citation , passage=Blackboard sketches, geological maps, diagrams of molecular structure, astronomical photographs, MRI images, the many varieties of statistical charts and graphs: These pictorial devices are indispensable tools for presenting evidence, for explaining a theory, for telling a story. And, on top of all that, they are ornaments; they entice and intrigue and sometimes delight.}}
  • To have clandestine or illicit intercourse.
  • To fill with artifice and duplicity; to complicate.
  • * Dr. J. Scott
  • How doth it [sin] perplex and intrigue the whole course of your lives!

    References

    * * English heteronyms ----

    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

    * ----