WordGarden.iomotivate
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /mˈəʊtɪvˌeɪt/
US
- /ˈmoʊtəˌveɪt/
Meanings
Verb
to make someone feel willing, eager, or determined to act
to provide the reason or incentive behind an action or decision
Beyond the definition
To motivate someone is like lighting a fire inside them. It means giving them a reason to do something, waking up their interest, or helping them want to keep going. A teacher might do this by making learning fun, and a coach might do it by setting clear goals. Sometimes the push comes from outside, like a reward, but often the strongest reason comes from within. Think of a character in a story: what makes them go on an adventure? What drives their choices? Understanding those reasons can tell you a lot about who they are.
The word "motivate" means to give someone a reason to do something or to help them feel ready to act. It is more than just telling someone what to do; it is about waking up that inner push and helping them see why it matters.
You can do this through praise, rewards, clear goals, or by connecting with what a person cares about. For example, a manager might encourage employees by offering bonuses for reaching sales targets. A parent might help a child clean their room by explaining how it will make the space feel nicer to live in.
However, this kind of drive is not always external. People can also be self-motivated, which means they move forward because something inside them keeps pulling them on. An artist may keep working because creating brings joy, and a scientist may keep going because of curiosity about the world.
The word comes from the Latin movere, meaning "to move." You can think of it as moving someone, not physically, but in the mind and heart, toward a goal. It is also useful to notice the difference between motivation, the reason behind an action, and motivate, the act of giving or building that reason.
So, whether you are guiding a team, setting personal goals, or trying to understand why people do what they do, "motivate" points to the forces that help people begin, continue, and care about their actions.
Examples
- 1
Education
A good teacher knows how to motivate students.
- 2
Personal goal
The chance to travel motivated her to learn Spanish.
- Patternmotivate someone to do X
make someone want to do it
- 3
Self-motivation
I find it hard to stay motivated when I work alone.
- 4
Personal reason
He is motivated by a desire to help his family.
- Patternbe motivated by + reason
do something because of that reason
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Personal values
What motivates you more: praise or money?
- 6
Management
The manager tried to motivate the team with clear goals and regular feedback.
- 7
Job candidate
The company is looking for motivated people who can work without much supervision.
- 8
Political motive
Police believe the attack was politically motivated.
- Phrasepolitically motivated
done for political reasons
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- discourage
- demotivate
Used with (collocations)
- motivate someone to do something
- motivate employees
- motivate students
- what motivates someone
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- motivateverb
Forms
- motivatedpast tenseverb
- motivating-ing formverb
- motivatesverb