Meaning of motivation in English

1. Pronunciation

   /ˌmoʊdəˈveɪʃ(ə)n/

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   UK accent

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1. Noun

   motivation

   Etymology

   late 19th century: from motive, reinforced by motivate

   Definitions

   1. the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal

   Examples

   • « the reason for the action »
   • « that which gives purpose and direction to behavior »
   • « we did not understand his motivation »
   • « he acted with the best of motives »
2. 2. the condition of being motivated

   Examples

   • « his motivation was at a high level »
3. 3. the act of motivating

   Examples

   • « providing incentive »