/ ˈməʊtɪveɪt; NAmE ˈmoʊ-/ verb
1.
[ vn ] [ often passive ] to be the reason why sb does sth or behaves in a particular way :
He is motivated entirely by self-interest.
2.
to make sb want to do sth, especially sth that involves hard work and effort :
[ vn ]
She's very good at motivating her students.
[ vn to inf ]
The plan is designed to motivate employees to work more efficiently.
3.
[ vn ] ( SAfrE , formal ) to give reasons for sth that you have stated :
Please motivate your answer to question 5.
► mo·tiv·ated adjective :
a racially motivated attack
a highly motivated student (= one who is very interested and works hard)
► mo·tiv·ation / ˌməʊtɪˈveɪʃn; NAmE ˌmoʊ-/ noun [ C , U ]:
What is the motivation behind this sudden change?
Most people said that pay was their main motivation for working.
He's intelligent enough but he lacks motivation.
( SAfrE )
All research proposals must be accompanied by a full motivation.
► mo·tiv·ation·al / -ʃənl; NAmE / adjective ( formal ):
an important motivational factor
► mo·tiv·ator / ˈməʊtɪveɪtə(r); NAmE ˈmoʊ-/ noun :
Desire for status can be a powerful motivator.