Motivate: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when you want to give someone a reason or incentive to do something, often through rewards or goals.

• She wants to motivate her team by offering bonuses for meeting their targets.
• He tried to motivate his students with interesting projects.

Use when you want to fill someone with the urge or ability to do or feel something, particularly something creative or beneficial.

• Her story inspires many to volunteer and help others.
• He hopes his artwork will inspire people to appreciate nature.

Best for giving support, confidence, or hope to someone, often in a more emotional or positive way.

• He always encourages his friends to follow their dreams.
• They encourage each other to stay positive during tough times.

Best used when referring to a strong force or energy that compels someone to take action, often for long-term goals.

• His passion for music drives him to practice every day.
• Her ambition to succeed drives her to work late hours.

Use when you want to give someone the authority, confidence, or means to do something, making them feel stronger and more capable.

• The new policies are designed to empower employees to take initiative.
• She empowers her students by encouraging them to make their own decisions.

Typically used when talking about providing someone with a reason or incentive to do something. Often linked to achieving goals or work-related tasks.

• Her coach motivated her to break the record
• The teacher's praise motivated the students to study harder

Used when supporting or giving someone confidence to do something, often in a positive and uplifting way.

• She encouraged her friend to apply for the job
• Positive feedback from parents can encourage children to do their best

Used when talking about filling someone with the desire or enthusiasm to do something, often in a creative or artistic sense.

• Her story inspired me to pursue my dreams
• The movie inspires viewers to reflect on their own lives

Often related to encouraging activity or interest, especially in contexts involving physical or intellectual action.

• Reading can stimulate the mind
• Certain chemicals are known to stimulate plant growth

Usually has a negative connotation and is associated with urging someone to act violently or illegally.

• The leader's speech was intended to incite the crowd to protest
• Authorities arrested him for inciting a riot