ENGLISH
REFERENCE

motivations

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌmoʊtəˈveɪʃənz// UK //mˌəʊtɪvˈeɪʃənz// mo·ti·va·tions

n. the reasons why you do something or want to achieve a goal.

n. the internal or external factors that stimulate desire and energy in people to be continually interested and committed to a job, role, or subject.


SIMPLE

The coach questioned the players' motivations after their poor performance.

CONTEXTUAL

Researchers are studying the different motivations that lead people to volunteer for charity work in their spare time.

COMPLEX

Understanding the complex motivations behind consumer behavior allows companies to tailor their marketing strategies to specific psychological needs rather than just functional requirements.

Synonyms
Usage

Often used in the plural to discuss a set of various reasons; the singular form typically refers to the general state of being inspired to act.

Pitfall

What are your motivations for this job?What is your motivation for this job?While 'motivations' is correct for a list of reasons, learners often use the plural when asking about a single primary drive, where the singular is more natural.

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