B2verb1K

UK/["/ˈməʊtɪveɪt/","/ˈməʊtɪveɪts/","/ˈməʊtɪveɪtɪd/","/ˈməʊtɪveɪtɪŋ/"]/US/["/ˈməʊtɪveɪt/","/ˈməʊtɪveɪts/","/ˈməʊtɪveɪtɪd/","/ˈməʊtɪveɪtɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Motivate

In simple words: To make someone want to do something.

Motivate in a sentence

  • What motivates people to carry out such attacks?
  • He is motivated entirely by self-interest.
  • He was motivated to join the union because he objected to the new contract.
  • We created the conditions whereby the child is motivated to speak.
  • She's very good at motivating her students.
  • His greatest quality is the way he motivates his team.
  • The plan is designed to motivate employees to work more efficiently.
  • Please motivate your answer to question 5.

How to use Motivate

Use 'motivate' when discussing encouragement or driving forces behind actions. It's appropriate in educational or professional contexts but may seem formal in casual conversation.

Grammar pattern

motivate + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'moe-tiv8' — imagine Moe motivating his friends to win a game.

Related words

Collocations with Motivate

  • motivate employees
  • motivate students
  • motivate oneself

Synonyms for Motivate

Opposites of Motivate

Common mistakes with Motivate

  • Confused with 'motivation' as a verb.
  • Using 'motivate' without an object.
  • Mixing up 'motivate' with 'inspire' and using them interchangeably.

Compare Motivate with Inspire, Encourage, Stimulate, Drive

Motivate appears in

Motivate in other languages

More words like Motivate

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Frequently asked questions about Motivate

What does Motivate mean?

To make someone want to do something.

What is the definition of Motivate?

to be the reason why somebody does something or behaves in a particular way

How do you use Motivate in a sentence?

What motivates people to carry out such attacks?

Can you give another example of Motivate?

He is motivated entirely by self-interest.

What are synonyms for Motivate?

Common alternatives include inspire, encourage, stimulate, drive, galvanize.

What is the opposite of Motivate?

Opposite meanings include demotivate, discourage.

What words go with Motivate?

It commonly pairs with motivate employees, motivate students, motivate oneself.

What are common mistakes when using Motivate?

Confused with 'motivation' as a verb. Using 'motivate' without an object. Mixing up 'motivate' with 'inspire' and using them interchangeably.

How do you pronounce Motivate?

US: /["/ˈməʊtɪveɪt/","/ˈməʊtɪveɪts/","/ˈməʊtɪveɪtɪd/","/ˈməʊtɪveɪtɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/ˈməʊtɪveɪt/","/ˈməʊtɪveɪts/","/ˈməʊtɪveɪtɪd/","/ˈməʊtɪveɪtɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Motivate?

Use 'motivate' when discussing encouragement or driving forces behind actions. It's appropriate in educational or professional contexts but may seem formal in casual conversation.

What CEFR level is Motivate?

"Motivate" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.