motivational

American  

[moh-tuh-vey-shuh-nl] / ˌmoʊ təˈveɪ ʃə nl /

adjective

1. 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.

2. 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.

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Other Word Forms

• antimotivational adjective
• nonmotivational adjective

Etymology

Origin of motivational

motivation ( def. ) + -al ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

They’re the motivational equivalent of a fiscal stimulus that raises confidence but never moves real gross domestic product.

From The Wall Street Journal

He then worked in the media and as a mentor and motivational speaker.

From BBC

Do they improve our mental and physical wellbeing, or do the multitude of measurements and motivational messages just add to our daily stresses?

From BBC

But it's only in the last year that it has taken off online, whether it be a motivational video for gains in the gym or ironically in a meme about a lazy cat.

From BBC

Serving others expands our capacity for gratitude more than any motivational quote on Instagram or self-help book ever could.

From The Wall Street Journal