Motivate — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˈmō-tə-ˌvāt/ mo·ti·vate

Meaning & Definition of Motivate

Motivate (verb)

  1. to give (someone) a reason for doing something
  2. to be a reason for something

Motivate (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to rouse to action or activity

    "The presence of treats motivated the dogs to obey their owner's commands."

    "They drove a campaign to motivate voters to show up to the polls."

    similar: arouse, encourage, excite, fire (up), impassion, incite, instigate, move, pique, provoke, rev (up), spark, spur, stimulate, stir, activate, animate, drive, energize, galvanize, induce, inspire, key (up), motive, propel, pump up, quicken, set off, vitalize, impel, force, allure, bait, beguile, bribe, entice, lead on, lure, seduce, tempt, goad, persuade, fan, ignite, inflame, kindle, trigger, abet, ferment, foment, raise, whip (up), aggravate, annoy, bother, exasperate, gall, get, irritate, vex, anger, enrage, madden, upset
    opposite: calm, soothe, subdue, tranquilize, appease, mollify, pacify, placate

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Motivate

The most common words with a similar meaning to Motivate:

arouse, encourage, excite, fire (up), impassion, incite, instigate, move, pique, provoke, rev (up), spark, spur, stimulate, stir, activate, animate, drive, energize, galvanize, induce, inspire, key (up), motive, propel, pump up, quicken, set off, vitalize, impel, force, allure, bait, beguile, bribe, entice, lead on, lure, seduce, tempt

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Motivate

Words with the opposite meaning of Motivate:

calm, soothe, subdue, tranquilize, appease, mollify, pacify, placate

Word Forms of Motivate

Inflections: motivated, motivating

Derived words: motivative (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Motivate

First known use: 1794

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Motivate

Frequently Asked Questions about Motivate

What does "Motivate" mean?

"Motivate" means to give (someone) a reason for doing something. As a verb, it is defined as: to give (someone) a reason for doing something.

What is another word for "Motivate"?

Other words for "Motivate" include arouse, encourage, excite, fire (up), impassion, incite, instigate and move. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Motivate" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Motivate"?

There are 64 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Motivate". Common alternatives include arouse, encourage, excite, fire (up), impassion, incite, instigate, move, pique and provoke.

What is the opposite of "Motivate"?

Antonyms of "Motivate" include calm, soothe, subdue, tranquilize, appease, mollify, pacify and placate.

How do you use "Motivate" in a sentence?

Examples of "Motivate" in a sentence: "The presence of treats motivated the dogs to obey their owner's commands."; "They drove a campaign to motivate voters to show up to the polls.".

Is "Motivate" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Motivate" is a verb.

Is "Motivate" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Motivate" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Motivate"?

"Motivate" is pronounced /ˈmō-tə-ˌvāt/ and divided into syllables as mo·ti·vate.