Word
motivational
Phoneticsmo·ti·va·tion·al, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌmoʊtəˈveɪʃənəɫ/
UK/mˌəʊtɪvˈeɪʃənəl/
Definition
adj. giving someone a reason to work hard or feel excited about achieving a goal. You use this to describe things like speeches or posters that make people feel more positive.
adj. providing inspiration or incentive to act; designed to stimulate interest or enthusiasm for a particular task or goal.
Examples
“She gave a motivational speech to the team.”
“The company hired a motivational speaker to help the employees feel more excited about the new project.”
“While some find motivational posters inspiring, others argue that true professional drive comes from a supportive environment rather than simple slogans on a wall.”
Examples
simple
“She gave a motivational speech to the team.”
contextual
“The company hired a motivational speaker to help the employees feel more excited about the new project.”
complex
“While some find motivational posters inspiring, others argue that true professional drive comes from a supportive environment rather than simple slogans on a wall.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun.
Real-World Examples
“What about a new trainer, texting me motivational messages – “let’s go soldier mode!” – at 7am every day?” “Instead of detailing how (in her case) creativity is a direct reaction to reality’s shortcomings, they prefer the straight motivational strategy.” Etymology
From motivation + -al.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/motivational