French Conversation · Level 76
59 words
French word
motiver
Pronunciation
IPA/motive/
Meaning
- verbmotivate
Example
Qu'est-ce qui te motive ?
What motivates you?
More examples
Il faut motiver les élèves.
We need to motivate the students.
Core concept
A clear reason or goal that turns intention into determined action.
Common phrases
motiver quelqu'un
motivate someone
se motiver
motivate yourself
Similar words
encourager: To draw out determination and encourage continued effort.
convaincre: To persuade someone to accept a view or decision using reasons or facts.
inspirer: To prompt creative work or action through emotion or example.
inciter: To press someone to take action.
Definition in French
Susciter chez une personne le désir et la détermination nécessaires pour passer à l'action.
Word origin
French motiver is formed from motif, which ultimately comes from Latin motivus, related to movere, meaning 'to move'.
Usage tips
- The usual construction is motiver quelqu'un à faire quelque chose, with the person as the direct object and à before the infinitive.
Other meanings
- encourageverb
Opposites
- démotiverdemotivateverb
- découragerdiscourageverb
Related words
- motivationmotivationnoun
- motivémotivatedadjective
- motivantmotivatingadjective