Word
motivating
Phoneticsmo·ti·vat·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈmoʊtəˌveɪtɪŋ/
UK/mˈəʊtɪvˌeɪtɪŋ/
Definition
adj. giving you a reason to want to do something or work harder. You use this to describe things that make you feel excited and ready to start a task.
adj. providing a reason or incentive to act; causing someone to feel enthusiastic about a goal. Often used to describe a person's leadership style or the effect of a speech.
Examples
“The coach gave a very motivating speech before the game.”
“Finding a motivating teacher can change the way a student feels about a difficult subject like mathematics.”
“The CEO's vision for the company was highly motivating, encouraging employees to innovate beyond their standard job descriptions and take ownership of new projects.”
Examples
simple
“The coach gave a very motivating speech before the game.”
contextual
“Finding a motivating teacher can change the way a student feels about a difficult subject like mathematics.”
complex
“The CEO's vision for the company was highly motivating, encouraging employees to innovate beyond their standard job descriptions and take ownership of new projects.”
Usage
Often follows a linking verb like 'be', 'seem', or 'find'.
Pitfall
I am very motivating to work.
I am very motivated to work.
Use 'motivating' to describe the thing that gives energy, and 'motivated' to describe the person who feels that energy.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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