Motivational Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

💪
Add to dictionary

motivational

[ˌməʊtɪˈveɪʃənl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

personal development

Related to the desire or willingness to do something, especially when it is difficult.

Synonyms

encouraging, inspiring, uplifting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
motivational

Best in contexts involving self-improvement, goals, and personal achievements.

  • The coach gave a motivational speech before the game.
  • She listens to motivational podcasts every morning.
inspiring

Suitable for situations where someone or something is causing others to feel motivated or moved emotionally.

  • His brave actions were truly inspiring.
  • The movie was inspiring and left the audience in awe.
encouraging

Ideal for situations where someone is providing support or confidence to another person.

  • Her parents were always encouraging, even when she faced failures.
  • The teacher's encouraging words helped the student try again.
uplifting

Perfect for emotional or moral support that lifts someone's spirits or mood.

  • The book has an uplifting message that can brighten anyone's day.
  • An uplifting song played on the radio and made everyone smile.

Examples of usage

  • He gave a motivational speech to inspire the team before the game.
  • She reads motivational quotes every morning to start her day with positivity.
Context #2 | Noun

self-improvement

Something that provides encouragement or inspiration for individuals to achieve their goals.

Synonyms

drive, encouragement, inspiration.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
motivational

Used to describe something that encourages people to work harder or feel more excited about what they are doing.

  • The motivational speech by the coach boosted the team's spirits.
  • She watched a motivational video before starting her day.
inspiration

Refers to feeling of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially something creative or beneficial.

  • His travels around the world provided inspiration for his novel.
  • She finds inspiration in nature and often goes hiking.
encouragement

Used to express support or confidence to someone, making them feel more hopeful or motivated.

  • A few words of encouragement can make a huge difference.
  • The teacher's encouragement helped him overcome his fears.
drive

Often refers to a strong determination to achieve something or enthusiasm to do something.

  • His drive to succeed in the business world is unmatched.
  • She has a lot of drive and never gives up easily.

Examples of usage

  • Watching motivational videos on YouTube helps her stay focused on her dreams.
  • The book 'The Power of Now' is a great source of motivation for many people.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Many theories in psychology explain how motivation affects behavior, such as Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which illustrates how fulfilling basic needs can lead to higher aspirations.
  • Intrinsic motivation, the drive to do something because you enjoy it, is often more powerful than extrinsic motivation, which relies on rewards like money or recognition.
  • Studies show that setting specific, achievable goals can significantly enhance motivation, leading to better performance.

Education

  • Motivational teaching techniques, like interactive learning and positive reinforcement, can help students engage more effectively with the material.
  • Teachers often use motivational quotes or stories to inspire students, creating a positive classroom atmosphere that encourages learning.
  • Research indicates that motivated students tend to have better academic outcomes and a greater willingness to tackle challenges.

Pop Culture

  • Motivational speakers, like Tony Robbins, have gained fame for delivering inspiring messages that encourage personal development and achievement.
  • Movies like 'The Pursuit of Happyness' and 'Rocky' exemplify motivational themes, illustrating how perseverance can lead to success against the odds.
  • Social media platforms are filled with motivational quotes and affirmations that aim to inspire individuals to pursue their dreams.

Business

  • In corporate settings, motivational strategies include team-building activities and recognition programs designed to boost employee morale and productivity.
  • Successful leaders often use motivational styles, such as transformational leadership, to inspire their teams toward shared goals.
  • Companies that prioritize employee motivation report higher job satisfaction and lower turnover rates.

Sports

  • Athletes often rely on motivational techniques, like visualization and positive affirmations, to enhance performance during competitions.
  • Coaches frequently use motivational speeches to rally teams before big games, emphasizing teamwork and the importance of giving their best effort.
  • The concept of a 'championship mindset' in sports refers to the motivational belief that athletes can succeed and overcome obstacles through hard work and determination.

Origin of 'motivational'

The term 'motivational' originated from the word 'motivate,' which comes from the Latin word 'motivus,' meaning 'moving.' The concept of motivation has been studied in psychology and philosophy, focusing on what drives individuals to take action towards their goals and aspirations. Motivational speeches, books, and videos have become popular tools for personal development and self-improvement.


See also: demotivating, motivating, motivations, unmotivated, unmotivating.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,324, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.