Definition

1. Verb:
   • To provide someone with a reason or incentive to do something: To cause or stimulate a person to take action by creating a motive or desire.
   • To be the driving force behind an action or behavior: To inspire or prompt a specific course of conduct.

Usage and Examples

• Verb:
  • A good leader knows how to motivate their team. (A good leader provides reasons for their team to work hard.)
  • What motivates you to study so hard? (What is the reason that drives you to study so hard?)
  • The promise of a bonus motivated the staff to finish the project early. (The incentive of a bonus stimulated the staff to complete the project ahead of schedule.)

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "to motivate someone to do something": This is the most common structure, indicating the action that is inspired.
  • Her encouraging words motivated me to apply for the job.
• Passive Voice: Often used to describe a state of being inspired.
  • Employees who feel valued are more highly motivated.
• As an Adjective (Derived): "Motivated" describes someone who has eagerness and drive.
  • We are looking for a highly motivated candidate. (We are looking for a very driven and eager candidate.)

Variants and Related Words

• Motivation (n): The reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way; the general desire or willingness to do something.
  • His primary motivation is to provide for his family.
• Motivator (n): Something that provides a motive or incentive.
  • Recognition can be a powerful motivator.
• Motivational (adj): Providing motivation; inspiring.
  • He gave a motivational speech to the sales team.

Synonyms

• Drive: To urge or force forward.
• Inspire: To fill someone with the urge or ability to do or feel something.
• Stimulate: To encourage or arouse interest or enthusiasm.
• Prompt: To cause someone to take a course of action.
• Spur: To give an incentive or encouragement to.

Antonyms

• Discourage: To cause someone to lose confidence or enthusiasm.
• Deter: To discourage someone from doing something by instilling doubt or fear of the consequences.
• Demotivate: To make someone less eager to work or act.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "Motivated by": Driven or caused by a specific factor.
  • His generosity is motivated by a deep sense of compassion.
• "Self-motivated": Able to motivate oneself; driven by one's own desires without external influence.
  • Successful entrepreneurs are often self-motivated.

Verb

1. give an incentive for action
   • This moved me to sacrifice my career