We all look to other people for inspiration, be it a celebrity, a sportsperson, or one of the great minds throughout our history. But is there a word for someone who inspires us?
Down below, you’ll find 10 great words for a person who motivates you to pursue your goals!
Words for Someone Who Inspires You
- Inspiration
- Motivator
- Mentor
- Idol
- Role model
- Exemplar
- Influencer
- Resonator
- Muse
- Luminary
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- If a person inspires you to pursue your goals, you can call them an “inspiration.”
- A “motivator” is someone who encourages you and acts as your motivation.
- Your “mentor” is someone with experience and wisdom who guides you to the right path in life.
Keep reading to learn more about our three favorite words for someone who inspires you.
Moreover, we’ve come up with some helpful example sentences using each of these words, so stick around!
Inspiration
An “inspiration,” as implied by the name, is someone who inspires you. Moreover, you can use this word to describe someone who makes you believe that your dreams and goals are possible.
Merriam-Webster defines an “inspiration” as “an inspiring agent or influence.” Moreover, “inspiring” is defined as “having an animating or exalting effect.”
Firstly, a person may be an “inspiration” to you because they live a life that you aspire to live or have achieved things that you would one day like to achieve. Therefore, their very existence motivates you to work towards your own goals, as they have proved that it is possible.
Secondly, a person may also inspire you by simply supporting you in your pursuits. Perhaps, you want to achieve something in order to make them proud. Either way, this person animates you; they propel you to move towards certain goals.
Finally, let’s see how you can use this phrase in a couple of examples:
Angela Carter is my biggest inspiration, and I wouldn’t have pursued a career as a writer if not for her short stories.
To this day, Tupac remains a huge inspiration for many aspiring young hip-hop artists.
Motivator
Merriam-Webster defines a “motivator” as “one that motivates or impels someone or something.” Therefore, if you’re ever unsure what to call someone who motivates you to pursue your goals, “motivator” is a great choice.
Yet again, you may be motivated by someone simply because you are impressed by their achievements and want to emulate them. Therefore, you are propelled towards your goals because you are hopeful that you will one day achieve what they have achieved.
A “motivator” can also be someone who prompts you to work hard through encouraging words and support. It could be a parent, friend, or anyone whose opinion you take seriously.
To see what we mean, check out the examples below:
My mother has always been my greatest motivator; she was there for me when I was younger, and now, I want to give her the life she deserves.
Frank considers himself a motivator for disenfranchised youths – they can watch his life story and see that it’s possible to overcome tragedy.
Mentor
A “mentor” is someone who encourages you to try your best and achieve your goals in life. In fact, Merriam-Webster defines a “mentor” as “a trusted counselor or guide.”
As this definition states, a “mentor” is someone who will guide you and offer assistance where you need it. Therefore, a “mentor” is usually someone who teaches you how to accomplish your goals by imparting wisdom and experience to you.
A mentor could be a teacher at school, a counselor, a colleague, or your employer. Whatever your relationship, a person who pushes you in the right direction and helps you reach your potential can be considered your “mentor.”
Have a look at the example sentences below:
Nathaniel is my mentor, and he taught me everything I know today.
What she needs is a mentor to guide her through her career.