Motivational: Definition, Usage & Common Phrases

Meaning 1：inspiring (motivational)

motivational 🔊

/ˌmoʊtɪˈveɪʃənl/

adj.

Describing things like speeches, books, or people that give you energy and a strong reason to start or keep doing something.

inspiring 🔊

➕

/ɪnˈspaɪərɪŋ/

adj.

Describing something that provides inspiration, energy, or a strong reason to initiate or continue an activity.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From 'motivate' (provide motive) + '-al' (adjective suffix). Root 'motiv-' from Latin 'motivus' meaning 'moving'.

💡 Mnemonic

Motivational = Motive + Action + Al -> It gives motive for action.

📖 Example

I listen to a motivational podcast every morning, which helps me start my day with energy and clear goals. 🔊 Each morning, I tune into a podcast designed to inspire, helping me begin the day with vitality and defined objectives.

🔗 Collocations

motivational speech – a speech intended to inspire and encourage action

motivational speaker – a person who delivers talks to inspire audiences

motivational book – a book written to provide inspiration and drive

🔄 Synonyms

inspiring (adj.) – filling someone with the urge or ability to do or feel something

encouraging (adj.) – giving someone support, confidence, or hope

uplifting (adj.) – morally or spiritually elevating; inspiring happiness or hope

🚫 Antonyms

demotivating (adj.) – causing someone to lose motivation or enthusiasm

discouraging (adj.) – causing someone to lose confidence or enthusiasm

disheartening (adj.) – causing someone to lose determination or confidence

🌱 Derivatives

motivation (n.) – the reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way

motivate (v.) – provide someone with a motive for doing something

motivator (n.) – something that motivates or drives someone to action

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'motivus' (moving), related to providing impetus for action. In modern culture, it's widely used in self-help, business coaching, and sports to inspire productivity and achievement.