'sporadically' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'sporadikos,' where 'spora' meant 'scattered.' 'Inspect' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'inspectare,' where 'in-' meant 'into' and 'specere' meant 'to look.'

'sporadikos' transformed into the Medieval Latin word 'sporadicus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'sporadic.' 'Inspectare' transformed into the Old French word 'inspecter,' and eventually became the modern English word 'inspect.'

Initially, 'sporadic' meant 'scattered or dispersed,' and 'inspect' meant 'to look into or examine.' These meanings have largely remained the same in modern usage.