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Motivator Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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motivator

[ˈmoʊtəˌveɪtər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in psychology

A person or thing that motivates or encourages someone to do something. It can be an external factor such as rewards or an internal factor such as personal goals.

Synonyms

incentive, inspiration, stimulus.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
motivator

Used when referring to a person or thing that causes someone to be enthusiastic and determined. Often used in a broad sense.

  • The coach was a great motivator for the team
  • Money can be a powerful motivator
inspiration

Used when referring to a person or thing that mentally stimulates someone to feel creative or motivated, often in a positive or artistic sense.

  • Her story was the inspiration for the movie
  • He finds inspiration in nature for his paintings
incentive

Used when referring to something that encourages a person to do something, often involving rewards or financial gain.

  • The company offered a cash incentive to employees who met their targets
  • Tax incentives are designed to encourage investment
stimulus

Used when referring to something that directly influences an activity, response, or growth, often in a scientific or economic context.

  • The government provided a financial stimulus to boost the economy
  • Light is a stimulus for plant growth

Examples of usage

  • Her coach was a great motivator, always pushing her to do her best.
  • The promise of a promotion was a powerful motivator for him to work harder.
Context #2 | Noun

in business

A motivator is a factor or reason that induces a person to act in a particular way or to follow a particular course of action.

Synonyms

incentive, inducement, motive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
motivator

Used when discussing something or someone that gives people the enthusiasm or drive to do something.

  • She is a great motivator for our team
  • The possibility of winning a medal was a strong motivator for him
incentive

Often used in contexts where something is provided to encourage specific actions or behavior, usually with a positive connotation.

  • The company offers financial incentives to employees who meet their performance targets
  • Tax rebates serve as an incentive for people to buy energy-efficient cars
inducement

Typically used in a more formal or business-like context to refer to something offered to persuade someone to do something. May have a slightly negative connotation if perceived as manipulative.

  • The landlord offered a month of free rent as an inducement for new tenants
  • Companies use various inducements to attract potential investors
motive

Used to describe the underlying reason or purpose behind someone's actions or decisions, often focusing on intentions. May have a neutral to slightly negative connotation depending on context.

  • The detective tried to understand the criminal's motive for the crime
  • Her motive for volunteering was to gain experience

Examples of usage

  • Job security is often a strong motivator for employees.
  • Financial rewards can be effective motivators in the workplace.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Motivation is categorized into intrinsic (internal drive) and extrinsic (external rewards) factors, influencing how people achieve their goals.
  • Maslow's hierarchy of needs highlights motivation's role in fulfilling basic human requirements before pursuing higher aspirations.

Pop Culture

  • Many motivational speakers in popular culture, like Tony Robbins, are known for inspiring people through seminars and books.
  • The phrase 'You can do it!' is a common motivational slogan often used in movies and speeches to encourage action.

Education

  • Teachers often act as motivators by encouraging students and creating a positive learning environment.
  • Research shows that students who feel motivated are more likely to engage and succeed in school.

Business

  • In the workplace, employers use motivation techniques to boost employee productivity and job satisfaction.
  • Effective management often involves understanding what motivates different individuals to get the best out of them.

Origin of 'motivator'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'motivator' comes from the Latin 'movere', meaning 'to move', which reflects the idea of driving someone to action.
  • It became popular in the English language in the early 20th century, primarily in educational and business contexts.

The word 'motivator' originated from the verb 'motivate', which comes from the Latin word 'motivus', meaning 'moving'. The concept of motivation has been studied in psychology and business to understand what drives people to achieve their goals and perform at their best.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,895, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.