See Also: motivate(dictionary)
motivate(dictionary)

motivate (iou)



motivate verb trans. M19.
[from MOTIVE noun + -ATE3, after French motiver, German motivieren.]
Supply or be a motive for (an action); provide (a person etc.) with a motive or incentive (to do); stimulate the interest of (a person) in an activity. M19.
M. Innes The action was motivated only by the..fact that there was nothing else to do with him. Rugby World The club coach who has to motivate players. D. Lodge We need to..motivate more working-class children to go to university.
Serve as a reason for, justify, (a decision etc.). L20.
Nature The publisher motivates the slim size of the volumes by claiming it makes them more likely to be read.
motivated adjective that has been motivated; having a motive or motivation: M20.
motivative adjective serving to motivate (a thought, action, etc.), providing motivation M20.
motivator noun a person who or thing which initiates or motivates action or behaviour M20.