Summary: The Latin root word *spir* means "breathe." This root is the word origin of a fair number of English vocabulary words, including in[*spir*]e, re[*spir*]ation, and e[*xpir*]e. The root *spir* is easily recalled via the word per[*spir*]ation, that is, sweat in the act of "breathing" through the pores of your skin.
