Difference Between Inspiring & Inspirational

Inspiring vs Inspirational

To comprehend the distinction between inspiring and inspirational, we must focus on the usage of each term. Inspiring and inspirational are two different adjectives that stem from the same word. Both originate from the word ‘inspire,’ which means to be filled with an urge to do something. Many individuals, such as Lord Buddha, Jesus Christ, Mother Theresa, Mahatma Gandhi, and Nelson Mandela, have become inspirations to the entire world. It is crucial to understand the definitions of each word when discussing inspiring and inspiration. Inspiring refers to having the ability to inspire someone, while inspirational means that the quality of inspiration is present within the source. These definitions can be confusing, so this article aims to provide a clear understanding of the differences.

What does Inspiring mean?

Inspiring can be defined as the capacity to inspire another person. We can be inspired by various things, including other people and objects. Thoughts, actions, words, pictures, poems, and scenery can all inspire us. The primary aspect of the term inspiring is that it can change someone’s course of action.

For example:

His speech was so inspiring.

The journey was truly inspiring.

In the first example, the listener was inspired by the speech of another person. The speech was not intended to inspire the person, so it would not be considered an inspirational speech. However, the individual was inspired, making it the effect of the experience.

In the second example, the speaker was inspired by the experiences gained from the journey. The key characteristic is that there is no hidden intention to inspire, even though inspiration occurs as a result of the experience.

What does Inspirational mean?

Inspirational can be defined as containing inspiration. Unlike inspiring, there is a clear intent to inspire in inspirational situations. However, this meaning can be lost in certain contexts.

For example:

It is an inspirational book.

I have heard that he is the best inspirational speaker in the region.

In the first example, the book is intended to inspire the reader. In the earlier case, there was no intention to inspire, even though it occurred. In this case, there is a definite intention to inspire. In the second example, the meaning is much clearer. However, if the adjective is used as ‘he was inspirational,’ the meaning is similar to ‘he was inspiring.’ This demonstrates that the position of the adjective also matters in emphasizing the difference.

What is the difference between Inspiring and Inspirational?

• Definitions of Inspiring and Inspirational:
• Inspiring is defined as the ability to inspire another.
• Inspirational is defined as containing inspiration.
• Inspiration:
• In inspiring, the effect of the experience leads to the individual’s inspiration.
• In inspirational, the intent of inspiring exists.
• Motive:
• In inspiring, there is no motive.
• In inspirational, there is a clear motive for inspiring.
• In inspirational, even though there is a motive to inspire, it may not be achieved in the end. In inspiring, it is always achieved.

It is essential to note that the position of the adjective also matters in emphasizing the difference in the case of inspirational.

Key Takeaways

• Inspiring refers to having the ability to inspire someone, while inspirational means that the quality of inspiration is present within the source.
• In inspiring situations, there is no motive to inspire, while in inspirational situations, there is a clear motive for inspiring.
• The position of the adjective in a sentence can affect the meaning and distinction between inspiring and inspirational.