|ˌinspəˈrā sh ən|

noun

•the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, esp. to do something creative : Helen had one of her flashes of inspiration | the history of fashion has provided designers with invaluable inspiration.

• the quality of having been so stimulated, esp. when evident in something : a rare moment of inspiration in an otherwise dull display.

• a person or thing that stimulates in this way : he is an inspiration to everyone.

• a sudden brilliant, creative, or timely idea : then I had an inspiration.

guiding light, example, model, muse, motivation, encouragement, influence, spur, stimulus, lift, boost, incentive, impulse, catalyst, creativity, inventiveness, innovation, ingenuity, genius, imagination, originality, artistry, insight, vision, finesse, flair, bright idea, revelation, flash, informal brainwave, brainstorm, eureka moment.