motivate
UK[ˈməʊtɪveɪt]US[ˈmoʊtɪveɪt]
v
to cause (someone) to have a reason or desire to do something
v
to be the reason for (someone's action or a particular behavior)
Morpheme Breakdown
motive
ate
motive
ate
Etymology
the word 'motivate' is a relatively modern english formation, entering the language in the 19th century. it is built upon the earlier noun 'motive', which traces back to the late latin motivus ("serving to move"), itself derived from the latin verb movere ("to move"). the suffix '-ate' was appended to transform the noun into a verb, following a productive pattern in english. thus, the literal construction "to make motive" evolved into the modern abstract sense of providing an inner impulse or reason that moves a person to act.
Analysis
Structure: motive + ate
motive (from latin motivus, meaning "moving, impelling"; functions as the core root conveying the idea of motion or impulse) + ate (a verb-forming suffix of latin origin via french, indicating "to make or cause to be")
Examples
the coach gave a passionate speech to motivate the team before the final game.
a desire to help others motivated her to pursue a career in medicine.
good teachers know how to motivate their students to learn independently.