Motivation: meaning, definitions and examples

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motivation

 

[ ˌməʊtɪˈveɪʃn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

finding purpose in life

Motivation is the reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way. It is the desire or willingness to do something, often the result of a need, a belief, or a goal. Motivation can also be defined as the driving force behind individuals to achieve their goals and overcome obstacles.

Synonyms

drive, incentive, inspiration

Examples of usage

  • Her motivation for studying hard is to get into a good university.
  • His motivation to succeed comes from his desire to provide a better life for his family.
Context #2 | Noun

encouragement or enthusiasm

Motivation can also refer to the encouragement or enthusiasm that makes someone do something. It is the positive feeling or emotion that pushes individuals to take action and pursue their goals. Motivation can come from external sources such as praise or rewards, as well as from internal sources such as personal beliefs or values.

Synonyms

encouragement, enthusiasm, inspiration

Examples of usage

  • The coach's pep talk provided the team with the motivation they needed to win the game.
  • She found motivation in the support and encouragement of her friends and family.

Translations

Translations of the word "motivation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 motivação

🇮🇳 प्रेरणा

🇩🇪 Motivation

🇮🇩 motivasi

🇺🇦 мотивація

🇵🇱 motywacja

🇯🇵 動機 (どうき)

🇫🇷 motivation

🇪🇸 motivación

🇹🇷 motivasyon

🇰🇷 동기 (動機)

🇸🇦 تحفيز

🇨🇿 motivace

🇸🇰 motivácia

🇨🇳 动机 (dòngjī)

🇸🇮 motivacija

🇮🇸 hvatning

🇰🇿 мотивация

🇬🇪 მოტივაცია

🇦🇿 motivasiya

🇲🇽 motivación

Word origin

The word 'motivation' comes from the Latin word 'motivus', meaning 'to move'. It was first used in the mid-19th century in the context of psychology and philosophy to describe the processes that initiate, direct, and sustain goal-oriented behavior. Over time, the concept of motivation has become widely studied and applied in various fields, including education, business, and self-improvement.

See also: motivate, motivated, motives.