Motivate
/ˈmoʊ.tɪ.veɪt/noun
To provide someone with a reason for doing something; to stimulate interest or enthusiasm.
Did you know?The root of 'motivate' comes from a Latin word meaning 'to move', connecting it to ancient ideas of passion and drive, often linked to divine inspiration.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
movere
“to move”
Old French
Old French
motiver
“to provide a reason or cause for something”
16th Century
English
motivation
“the act of providing a motive”
19th Century
English
motivate
“to give an incentive or reason for action”