motivational

Etymology

It is formed from English motivation + -al.^[2][3] Motivation is from motive and -ation, probably partly after French motivation and German Motivation;^[2][3] motive goes back through motīvus (“moving, impelling”) to Latin moveō (“to move”).^[3]

Earliest recorded meaning

Relating to the conscious or unconscious stimulus that drives a person to act: 1922, in the American Journal of Psychology.^[2] Etymonline dates the word to 1931.^[3]

Semantic evolution

The word began in psychology.^[2] From 1943 it was used in market research and advertising for the study and use of consumers' motives, and since 1953 in criticism for the cause and effect behind a character's actions.^[2] The sense "designed to inspire enthusiasm or drive", as in motivational speaker, is recorded from 1930 in education and is now the most familiar one.^[2][4]

Timeline

• 1922 – relating to the stimulus for action, in psychology.^[2]
• 1930 – providing or meant to provide motivation.^[2]
• 1931 – Etymonline's first date.^[3]
• 1943 – in market research, relating to consumers' motives.^[2]
• 1953 – in criticism, relating to the motives of characters in a plot.^[2]

Meanings

Adjective

1. Of or relating to motivation, the reasons or drives behind behaviour: motivational factors in learning.^[4][2]
2. Meant to inspire enthusiasm or determination: She booked a motivational speaker for the sales team.^[2][4]

Word family

• antimotivational
• nonmotivational

Related words

• motive
• motivate
• move
• motion

References

1. ^ a b Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Oxford English Dictionary Online (accessed March 2026), Oxford: Oxford University Press
3. ^ a b c d e Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
4. ^ a b c Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary (2024), online ed., Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster