motivate

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA ^(key): /ˈməʊ.tɪ.veɪt/
• (US) IPA ^(key): /ˈmoʊ.tɪ.veɪt/ or /ˈmoʊ.ɾəˌveɪt/

• Audio (UK)

  (file)

Verb

Plain form motivate

Third-person singular motivates

Past tense motivated

Past participle motivated

Present participle motivating

1. (transitive) If you motivate someone, then you make them want to do something.
   • Synonyms: move, cause, encourage, influence, persuade, stimulate, inspire and induce
   • Antonym: demotivate

   The guest speaker went to the school to help motivate the students.

Related words

• motivation
• motivational