Motivate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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motivate
[ˈməʊtɪveɪt ]
Definitions
workplace
To stimulate someone's enthusiasm or interest in doing something; to provide a reason for action
Synonyms
drive, empower, encourage, inspire.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| motivate |
Use when you want to give someone a reason or incentive to do something, often through rewards or goals.
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| inspire |
Use when you want to fill someone with the urge or ability to do or feel something, particularly something creative or beneficial.
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| encourage |
Best for giving support, confidence, or hope to someone, often in a more emotional or positive way.
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| drive |
Best used when referring to a strong force or energy that compels someone to take action, often for long-term goals.
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| empower |
Use when you want to give someone the authority, confidence, or means to do something, making them feel stronger and more capable.
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Examples of usage
- I try to motivate my team by setting clear goals and providing regular feedback.
- She always finds a way to motivate herself even when facing challenges.
self-improvement
To give someone a reason for doing something; to make someone eager to do something
Synonyms
encourage, incite, inspire, stimulate.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| motivate |
Typically used when talking about providing someone with a reason or incentive to do something. Often linked to achieving goals or work-related tasks.
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| encourage |
Used when supporting or giving someone confidence to do something, often in a positive and uplifting way.
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| inspire |
Used when talking about filling someone with the desire or enthusiasm to do something, often in a creative or artistic sense.
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| stimulate |
Often related to encouraging activity or interest, especially in contexts involving physical or intellectual action.
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| incite |
Usually has a negative connotation and is associated with urging someone to act violently or illegally.
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Examples of usage
- Reading motivational quotes helps to motivate me to work towards my goals.
- Setting small achievable targets can motivate you to keep going.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Two main types of motivation are intrinsic (from within, like personal goals) and extrinsic (from outside, like rewards).
- Research shows that people are more motivated when they find personal meaning in what they do.
- Behaviorist theories emphasize rewards and consequences as strong motivating factors in behavior change.
Education
- Teachers use various strategies to motivate students, including setting achievable goals and providing positive feedback.
- Classroom environments that promote student autonomy can significantly increase intrinsic motivation in learners.
- Motivation is often linked to academic success, as engaged students tend to perform better in school.
Pop Culture
- Motivational speakers often share powerful stories and techniques to inspire people to overcome challenges.
- Movies like 'Rocky' or 'The Pursuit of Happyness' showcase how motivation can push individuals to achieve their dreams.
- Social media platforms often promote quotes and messages designed to uplift and motivate audiences daily.
Science
- Studies in neuroscience show that motivation is closely linked to the brain's reward system, involving chemicals like dopamine.
- Exercise is found to boost motivation levels, as physical activity releases endorphins that improve mood and drive.
- Understanding how motivation works can aid in developing better strategies for change in behaviors like eating or exercising.
Origin of 'motivate'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'motivate' comes from the Latin word 'movere,' which means 'to move.'
- It was first used in English around the early 20th century, growing from the ideas of psychology about why people do things.
- The term has evolved to not only mean 'driving someone to act' but also 'inspiring' or 'encouraging' in a positive way.
The word 'motivate' originated from the Latin word 'motivus', meaning 'moving'. It was first used in the mid-19th century, with its current meaning of 'to provide a reason for action or behavior'. Over time, 'motivate' has become widely used in various contexts, from workplace motivation to personal development.
See also: motivated, motivation, motives.