motivator: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral to formal. Common in business, academic (psychology/management), and self-help contexts.
Quick answer
What does “motivator” mean?
A person, thing, or factor that provides a reason or incentive for someone to do something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person, thing, or factor that provides a reason or incentive for someone to do something.
Someone or something that inspires action, enthusiasm, or determination. In psychology and management, it often refers to an internal or external stimulus that drives behaviour towards a goal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Slightly more frequent in American business/self-help jargon.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both varieties, with a slight edge in American corpora due to prevalence of management literature.
Grammar
How to Use “motivator” in a Sentence
[motivator] + for + [person/group][motivator] + of + [action/behaviour][be] + a + [motivator]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “motivator” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- to motivate
American English
- to motivate
adverb
British English
- motivationally
American English
- motivationally
adjective
British English
- motivational
American English
- motivational
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In business, 'motivator' often refers to factors like salary, recognition, or career progression that drive employee performance (e.g., Herzberg's motivators).
Academic
In psychology, it denotes internal (e.g., curiosity) or external (e.g., rewards) variables that energise and direct behaviour.
Everyday
Used to describe people who encourage others (e.g., a fitness coach) or personal reasons for action (e.g., 'My children are my biggest motivator.').
Technical
In organisational behaviour, a term for hygiene factors vs. motivators in Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “motivator”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “motivator”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “motivator”
- Using 'motivation' and 'motivator' interchangeably (e.g., 'He was my main motivation to study' vs. 'He was my main motivator to study' – both possible but emphasis differs).
- Incorrect spelling: *motivater.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is commonly used for both people (e.g., a coach) and abstract factors or things (e.g., money, a challenge).
'Motivation' is the internal feeling or psychological process of being eager to act. A 'motivator' is the specific external cause or agent that creates that motivation.
Yes, it is neutral. A 'motivator' can be positive (e.g., love) or negative (e.g., fear), depending on what drives the action.
Yes, 'main', 'key', 'primary', and 'major' are all very common and correct collocations.
A person, thing, or factor that provides a reason or incentive for someone to do something.
Motivator is usually neutral to formal. common in business, academic (psychology/management), and self-help contexts. in register.
Motivator: in British English it is pronounced /ˈməʊtɪveɪtə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmoʊt̬ɪveɪt̬ər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Money is a great motivator.”
- “Fear is a poor motivator for long-term change.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MOTOR that gets you into ACTION. MOTIV-ATOR.
Conceptual Metaphor
MOTIVATOR IS A FUEL / MOTIVATOR IS A SPARK / MOTIVATOR IS A PUSH.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely meaning of 'motivator'?