motivate
Translation
to motivate, to inspire, to encourage
Examples
His speech motivated the team.
His speech motivated the team.
What motivates people to work hard?
What motivates people to work hard?
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) to give someone a reason to do something His success motivated his friends.
((sb.)) ((to-inf)) to encourage someone to do something She motivated him to apply for the job.
Similar Words
Synonyms: inspire, encourage, drive; Antonyms: demotivate, discourage
Etymology
From 'motive' + '-ate' (verb-forming suffix). 'Motive' comes from Latin 'motivus' (moving).
Memory Tips
'Motivate' has 'motive' inside it – it's about giving someone a reason or motive to do something.