Aflatus

/ˌæfləˈtəs/ noun

Definition

A divine inspiration or creative impulse; a sudden creative rush or moment of inspiration.

Etymology

From Latin 'aflatus' (a breathing upon), past participle of 'afflare' (to blow upon), from 'ad-' (to) + 'flare' (to blow), literally meaning breath or wind from a divine source.

Kelly Says

Latin 'aflatus' is the root of our word 'afflatus,' and both come from the idea of divine breath—many cultures saw inspiration as literally being breathed into humans by the gods, and we kept this metaphor in our language.

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