Meaning
启发 means to inspire or enlighten someone, to open their mind to new ideas or understanding. It describes the act of stimulating thought, awakening insight, or drawing out potential in others through guidance, example, or teaching.
Usage
Commonly used in educational and intellectual contexts to describe how teachers inspire students, how books open minds, or how experiences lead to realizations. It carries a positive connotation and is frequently used in formal or semi-formal speech and writing. Often appears in phrases like 受到启发 (to be inspired by) or 很有启发性 (very inspiring/enlightening).
Examples
- 01这本书给了我很大的启发。.This book gave me great inspiration.
- 02老师的话启发了我对这个问题的思考。.The teacher's words inspired my thinking about this problem.
Characters
Common collocations
- 受到启发to be inspired/enlightened
- 很有启发very inspiring
- 启发性inspiring, enlightening (quality)
- 启发思考to inspire thinking
Antonyms
Origin
The character 启 originally meant to open a door, while 发 means to emit or release. Together they convey the idea of opening up and releasing understanding or potential.