to long, aim, or seek ambitiously; be eagerly desirous, especially for something great or of high value (usually followed by to, after, or an infinitive): to aspire after literary immortality; to aspire to be a doctor.
Archaic. to rise up; soar; mount; tower.
Origin of aspire
1425–75; late Middle English (<Middle French aspirer) <Latin aspīrāre to breathe upon, pant after, equivalent to a-a-5 + spīrāre to breathe, blow
Saying “no” is a crucial prophylactic for cities that aspire to keep their politics clean.
Two Huge Choices for Toronto's Future|David Frum|April 20, 2013|DAILY BEAST
These policies produced “growth on a scale to which we can aspire today.”
Does Calvin Coolidge Deserve a Reassessment?|Ira Katznelson|February 15, 2013|DAILY BEAST
They had no assertiveness, so could not aspire to a managerial position, such as might eventually fall to the share of Nelly.
A Bed of Roses|W. L. George
The rest of the cunies, being considered my slaves, could not aspire to office of any sort under the crown.
The Jacket (The Star-Rover)|Jack London
A young man of your class may aspire to the highest honours.
The Village Notary|Jzsef Etvs
To imitate finite excellence, is to aspire at excellence, even though but in part.
The Ordinance of Covenanting|John Cunningham
Gayety, wit, and ingenuity are their ruling character: they aspire not to the sublime; still less to the pathetic.
The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol.I., Part E.|David Hume
British Dictionary definitions for aspire
aspire
/ (əˈspaɪə) /
verb(intr)
(usually foll by to or after) to yearn (for) or have a powerful or ambitious plan, desire, or hope (to do or be something)to aspire to be a great leader
to rise to a great height
Derived forms of aspire
aspirer, nounaspiring, adjective
Word Origin for aspire
C15: from Latin aspīrāre to breathe upon, from spīrāre to breathe