'aspire' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'aspirare', where 'ad-' meant 'toward' and 'spirare' meant 'to breathe.'

'aspirare' transformed into the Old French word 'aspirer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'aspire' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to breathe upon or toward,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to have a strong desire to achieve something.'