motivation

[ moh-tuh-vey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act or an instance of motivating, or providing with a reason to act in a certain way:

   I don't understand what her motivation was for quitting her job.

   Synonyms: impetus, cause, inducement, inspiration, motive

2. the state or condition of being motivated or having a strong reason to act or accomplish something:

   We know that these students have strong motivation to learn.

3. something that motivates; inducement; incentive:

   Clearly, the company's long-term motivation is profit.

Other Words From

• mo·ti·va·tion·al adjective
• mo·ti·va·tive [moh, -t, uh, -vey-tiv], adjective
• de·mo·ti·va·tion noun
• non·mo·ti·va·tion noun
• re·mo·ti·va·tion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of motivation¹

First recorded in 1870–75; motive + -ation

Example Sentences

"We must know the motivation behind the attacks, and to re-establish peace and safety as fast as possible."

From BBC

So is part of his motivation for taking on the role his various US-based business interests?

From BBC

"I think the motivation for him was the thrill of the harassment, the control he had over me. He got a fix off the idea he was forcing women to do things."

From BBC

Hopefully England will be inconsolable and that will give them plenty of motivation.

From BBC

It added there was "no racial motivation behind the complaint", and a staff member denied being racist.

From BBC

Related Words

• catalyst
• desire
• encouragement
• impetus
• impulse
• incentive
• inclination
• interest
• motive
• reason
• wish