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motivate

mo·ti·vate

motivate

 
 
pronunciation:
mo t veIt
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Grammatical Patterns, Word Parts
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: motivates, motivating, motivated
definition: to cause to move or act by giving incentive or inspiration.
The likely possibility of flunking out of college finally motivated him to study.[verb + smby/smth + infinitive ] The stirring speech motivated many citizens to look into how they might serve their country.[verb + smby/smth + infinitive ] She tried to motivate her high school students by demonstrating the importance of chemistry in the real world.
 
synonyms:
actuate, move
similar words:
arouse, dispose, encourage, enkindle, excite, goad, incite, inspire, kindle, prompt, provoke, rouse, spur, stimulate, stir up, tempt
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