motivational
Americanadjective
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of or relating to motivation, a person's reason for acting in a certain way.
The research investigated the motivational factors influencing people’s decision to volunteer with community organizations.
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inspiring or seeking to inspire people to act in a certain way, especially so as to overcome obstacles and achieve success, happiness, etc..
He mentors inner city youth, telling his motivational story at local schools.
Since her diagnosis, she has become an HIV/AIDS educator, motivational speaker, and activist.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of motivational
Explanation
Anything motivational makes you want to do something — or at least be willing to do it. When you're training your dog, the treats in your pocket can be used as motivational tools. If someone gives a motivational speech, their purpose is to try to get people excited about doing or trying something. A football coach's motivational talk to his team, for example, is intended to inspire the players to win the game. In other words, what the coach says motivates the team to play well. Both motivate and motivational come from the Old French motif, "drive or motivation," from motivus, "moving" in Medieval Latin.
Vocabulary lists containing motivational
The Poet X
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With the Fire on High
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Promises to Keep
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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.
Motivational messages have been painted on the walls.
From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026
This study revealed the factors related to the characteristics and lifestyles of middle-aged workers who received Motivational Health Guidance under the Specific Health Guidance program that positively associate with the acquisition of exercise habits.
From Science Daily • Nov. 22, 2024
Motivational messaging is part of Calilo’s holistic approach to wellness.
From New York Times • Aug. 24, 2022
Motivational speakers, such as the one brought to Manhattan High by the local Rotary clubs, can help.
From Washington Times • Sep. 3, 2019
Motivational quotations hang on every door and are painted on every wall.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 27, 2017
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
