Spanish word

motivar

Pronunciation

IPA/motiˈβaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbmotivate

Example

Tu apoyo me motiva a seguir estudiando.

Your support motivates me to keep studying.

Illustration for motivar (motivate)

More examples

Un buen líder motiva al equipo con su actitud.

A good leader motivates the team with their attitude.

Core concept

A reason or incentive that prompts someone to act.

Common phrases

  • motivar con el ejemplo

    motivate by example

  • motivar al equipo

    motivate the team

  • motivar a participar

    motivate to participate

Similar words

motivarse: Arises from internal reasons, producing sustained personal motivation to act.
inspirarse: Evokes a flash of insight or enthusiasm drawn from a person or event.
animarse: Invigorates confidence or energy, leading someone to accept a challenge.

Definition in Spanish

Dar a una persona la causa o el estímulo necesario para que emprenda o continúe una acción.

Word origin

Formed in Spanish from the noun motivo (motive) plus the verb suffix -ar, with motivo ultimately from Latin motivus/movēre 'move', so motivar literally means 'to give a motive' for action.

Usage tips

  • To say 'be motivated' prefer 'estar motivado' or the construction 'me motiva + infinitive', since 'ser motivado' is normally passive or atypical for personal drive.

Other meanings

  • encourageverb
  • promptverb
  • stimulateverb

Opposites

  • desalentardiscourageverb

Related words

Word lists with this word