motivational
Pronunciation
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
- Of or relating to motivation, the reasons or drives behind behaviour: motivational factors in learning.[4][2]
- Meant to inspire enthusiasm or determination: She booked a motivational speaker for the sales team.[2][4]
Word family
- antimotivational
- nonmotivational
Related words
References
- ^ a b Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Oxford English Dictionary Online (accessed March 2026), Oxford: Oxford University Press
- ^ a b c d e Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
- ^ a b c Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary (2024), online ed., Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster