Cambridge Dictionary Names “Inspire” Word of the Year 2025
The Cambridge Dictionary has announced “inspire” as its Word of the Year for 2025, recognizing a surge in usage reflecting a global focus on positive influence and motivational figures. The selection highlights a societal shift towards celebrating individuals who spark creativity, hope, and action.
The Dictionary noted a notable increase in searches for ”inspire” throughout the year, coinciding with widespread attention given too individuals demonstrating leadership, resilience, and artistic expression. While the word itself isn’t new, its prominence in 2025 reflects a renewed cultural emphasis on the power of positive role models.
“‘Inspire’ resonated strongly this year as people actively sought out figures and stories that offered encouragement and a sense of possibility,” explained Colin McIntosh, Chief Editor of the Cambridge Dictionary.”Our data clearly shows a considerable increase in searches, indicating a growing desire to understand and articulate the impact of inspirational forces in our lives.”
The rise in searches wasn’t limited to conventional definitions of inspiration. The Dictionary observed increased usage relating to community initiatives, environmental activism, and personal growth journeys.This broadened submission demonstrates how the concept of inspiration has become increasingly democratized,extending beyond celebrity culture to encompass everyday individuals making a difference.
Psychologists studying societal trends have observed a parallel increase in the desire for positive narratives, notably in response to global challenges. The need for uplifting figures and stories appears to be a key driver behind the word’s increased prominence.
The Cambridge Dictionary’s choice of “inspire” as Word of the Year 2025 underscores a collective yearning for hope, motivation, and the belief in a brighter future. It marks a shift in linguistic focus towards celebrating the power of human potential and the individuals who ignite it.
