motivate — to provide with a reason or incentive for doing something; to encourage or stimulate interest or enthusiasm
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to provide with a reason or incentive for doing something; to encourage or stimulate interest or enthusiasm
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈmoʊtɪveɪt/
Example Sentences
- My mom motivates me to study by hiding the WiFi password until I finish my homework.
- The coach tried to motivate the team with an inspiring speech before the big game.
- Nothing motivates me to clean my room faster than hearing my friends are coming over.
motivate
VERB[/ˈmoʊtɪveɪt/]
to provide with a reason or incentive for doing something; to encourage or stimulate interest or enthusiasm

The coach motivated the team to keep practicing after a difficult loss.

The coach motivated the runner like turning on a motor and making him move again. (MOTOR + MOVE → motivation turns your motor on and gets you moving)

The teacher motivated the students, activated their curiosity, and celebrated their success.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'motivus' meaning 'moving' or 'causing motion,' derived from 'movere' meaning 'to move.' The word entered English in the late 16th century through French.
Breakdown
mot- (from Latin movere, to move) + -ive (adjective suffix, causing or producing) + -ate (verb suffix, to cause or make) = motivate (to cause movement or action toward a goal)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom motivates me to study by hiding the WiFi password until I finish my homework.”
“The coach tried to motivate the team with an inspiring speech before the big game.”
“Nothing motivates me to clean my room faster than hearing my friends are coming over.”
“The bonus system was designed to motivate workers to increase productivity.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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