motivar

to motivate

verb moh-tee-BAHR Less Common

Usage Note

Motivar is a regular -ar verb meaning both 'to motivate' a person and 'to cause' or 'to be the reason for' an event — ¿qué motivó la decisión? (what motivated/caused the decision?). The adjective motivado (motivated) is common in workplace and educational contexts. The reflexive motivarse implies self-motivation.

Examples

"El entrenador sabe motivar a sus jugadores."

Natural Translation

The coach knows how to motivate his players.

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