DictionaryAI

motivate

verb
SayMOH-ti-vaytUS/ˈmoʊ.tɪ.veɪt/UK/ˈməʊ.tɪ.veɪt/

Formsmotivates, motivating, motivated

2 meanings of motivate

Practice

  1. 1
    verbtransitive
    To give someone a reason or incentive to act, encouraging them toward a goal.

    The promise of a bonus motivated the sales team to exceed their targets.

    Strong leaders motivate employees by connecting daily tasks to a larger purpose.

    Similarencourage, drive, push, spur, inspire

    Oppositediscourage, demotivate, dissuade

  2. 2
    verbtransitive
    To drive a person or thing into action; to propel toward movement or activity.

    Anger motivated the crowd to march on the capital.

    Strong emotions can motivate people to act without thinking it through.

    Similardrive, move, push

    Oppositestop, halt, demotivate

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Origin

Formed from "motive" plus the verb-forming suffix "-ate", comparable to French "motiver".