Pronunciation

/ˈmoʊtɪveɪt/

Definitions

• Verb: To stimulate interest or enthusiasm in someone for the purpose of encouraging action or productivity. For example: “The promise of a promotion motivated him to work harder.”
• Noun: The reason or incentive behind one’s actions or behavior; something that incites or drives a person to do something. For example: “His passion for music was his main motivation to become a performer.”

Verb Usage Examples

• “The teacher tried various methods to motivate her students to study harder.”
• “A healthy competition can often motivate athletes to push their limits.”

Noun Usage Examples

• “Financial gain was the primary motivation for starting the business.”
• “Her desire to help others is a strong motivating factor in her career choice.”

Phrases

• “Motivate someone to do something” - To inspire or encourage someone to take action or achieve a goal.
• “Lack of motivation” - When a person doesn’t have the drive or incentive to act or accomplish something.
• “Intrinsic motivation” - Motivation that comes from within a person, such as personal enjoyment or a sense of accomplishment.

Example Sentences

• Verb: “The manager motivated the team with a rewards program for meeting sales targets.”
• Noun: “Understanding your core motivations can lead to a more fulfilling life.”

Synonyms

• Encourage (v)
• Inspire (v)
• Stimulate (v)
• Drive (v)
• Incentivize (v)
• Spur (v)
• Urge (v)
• Aspiration (n)
• Impetus (n)
• Inspiration (n)
• Incitement (n)
• Persuasion (n)