motivation
/məʊtɪˈveɪʃ(ə)n
/noun
1A reason or reasons for acting or behaving in a particular way: escape can be a strong motivation for travel...
- I am suggesting that we are wrong to dismiss their motivations and reasoning out of hand as trivial and aberrant.
- It is also essential to understand the reasons and motivations behind such behaviours and cultural norms.
- For people who have no faith in God, fear of punishment would be a stronger motivation to do good than promise of reward.
Synonyms
motive, motivating force, incentive, stimulus, stimulation, inspiration, impulse, inducement, incitement, spur, goad, provocation;
reason, rationale, ground(s)
1.1 [mass noun] Desire or willingness to do something; enthusiasm: keep staff up to date and maintain interest and motivation...
- An interviewer wants to gauge your enthusiasm and motivation in wanting a job there.
- Socialism could only become a reality if the majority of people had the desire and motivation to fight for it.
- I just hope that this enthusiasm and motivation grows, and we don't see all he has to give too soon.
Synonyms
enthusiasm, drive, ambition, initiative, determination, enterprise, sense of purpose
informal get-up-and-go
2South African A set of facts and arguments used in support of a proposal: the following proposal and motivation is submitted for consideration...
- Another factor had to do with the presentations, even the motivations.
- Maduna said anybody was free to petition the Head of State and make a proper motivation as to why they should be pardoned.
- Simply write a short motivation telling us why your candidate deserves to be honoured as our Woman of the Year.
Origin
Late 19th century: from motive, reinforced by motivate.