motivate
verb (used with object)
motivating
-
present participleof motivate.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
We don’t know what was motivating the solo juror who wanted to send Clancy to jail rather than to a psychiatric hospital.
From Slate ● Sep. 5, 2026
“Who would sell grades for a stats course? Why would someone buy grades? What’s motivating them? Why wouldn’t the university be doing something about it?”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 2, 2026
If a client wants to buy, he tries to understand what’s motivating the desire.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 2, 2026
"I think one of the motivating factors for this return ... is reconciliation with the king and with the wider family," royal historian Ed Owens told AFP.
From Barron's ● Aug. 23, 2026
He could feel the skillful hand of fate motivating hrm imperatively.
From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller
