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Motivations Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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motivations

[ˌmoʊ.tɪˈveɪ.ʃən ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

personal development

Motivations are the reasons behind a person's actions, desires, and goals. They drive individuals to pursue certain objectives and can be influenced by internal or external factors.

Synonyms

drives, incentives, reasons.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
motivations

Use this term when discussing internal or psychological factors that encourage someone to take action. It is often neutral or positive.

  • Her main motivations for starting the charity were a desire to help others and make a difference
  • Understanding employees' motivations can improve workplace productivity
incentives

Incentives are external factors or rewards designed to motivate someone to perform a specific action. Often used in contexts like business, economics, or education.

  • The company offers financial incentives to employees who meet their sales targets
  • Students are motivated by incentives like scholarships and awards
drives

This word is used for strong internal forces or desires that push someone towards particular behaviors or goals. It often suggests a more intense or urgent emotion.

  • His drive to succeed in the music industry kept him practicing for hours every day
  • She has a strong drive to be the best in her field
reasons

Reasons are specific explanations or justifications for why someone did something. It is a broader term that can be used in various contexts.

  • The reason she gave for quitting her job was a desire to spend more time with her family
  • There are many reasons to stay fit, such as improving health and boosting confidence

Examples of usage

  • Her motivations for starting a business were to achieve financial independence and make a positive impact in her community.
  • Understanding your motivations can help you set meaningful goals and stay focused on achieving them.

Translations

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

Origin of 'motivations'

The word 'motivations' originates from the Latin word 'motivus', meaning 'of motion'. The concept of motivations has been studied extensively in psychology and sociology, exploring the driving forces behind human behavior and decision-making. Understanding motivations is crucial in fields such as marketing, management, and personal development.

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

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,767, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.