Motivation

n. energetic, hopeful professional

What it means

Meaning 1

The reason or set of reasons that prompts someone to act.

Reach for it when explaining what makes an action matter to the person

Her main motivation was making the service easier for families to use.

Meaning 2

The willingness and energy to begin or continue an effort.

Reach for it when describing drive that can rise, fall, or be supported

A clear first step restored his motivation to finish the application.

Words to choose between 10

By register, from playful at the top to literary at the bottom, and by meaning across. Tap a word to see when it fits.
Meaning 1Meaning 2
everyday
  • Motivation (this word)
  • drive
warm
professional
formal

Meaning 1: The reason or set of reasons that prompts someone to act.

  • everyday

    reason

    Fits when the cause or purpose of an action should be plain

    Careful A reason can explain behavior without emotionally motivating it.

  • warm

    purpose

    Fits when a meaningful aim organizes action

    Careful Purpose can exist without enough current energy to act.

  • professional

    incentive

    Fits when an external reward or consequence encourages action

    Careful Incentive excludes many internal values and can encourage the wrong behavior.

  • professional

    motive

    Fits when the underlying reason, including a hidden one, is under examination

    Careful Motive can sound suspicious or criminal in everyday praise.

  • formal

    impetus

    Fits when a specific force or event starts movement

    Careful Impetus is the initial push and may not sustain effort.

Meaning 2: The willingness and energy to begin or continue an effort.

  • everyday

    drive

    Fits when strong inner energy supports persistent effort

    Careful Drive can become compulsive and says little about the reason behind it.

  • warm

    determination

    Fits when firm resolve continues despite difficulty

    Careful Determination can persist without enjoyment or clear purpose.

  • warm

    enthusiasm

    Fits when eager interest makes action feel appealing

    Careful Enthusiasm may fade quickly and is not required for disciplined action.

  • professional

    momentum

    Fits when prior progress makes continued action easier

    Careful Momentum depends on movement already underway and is not an internal reason.

  • professional

    willingness

    Fits when consent and readiness to act are the accurate level

    Careful Willingness may be passive and less energetic than motivation.

Opposites 3

  • apathy
  • reluctance
  • discouragement

Common phrases 4

  • main motivation

    Her main motivation came from reducing avoidable waiting.

  • strong motivation

    A promised deadline was not enough to create strong motivation.

  • lack motivation

    People may lack motivation when effort has repeatedly brought no result.

  • intrinsic motivation

    Choice and visible competence supported intrinsic motivation.

Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated