What does motivational mean?
Motivational means intended to arouse enthusiasm, determination, or a willingness to act. It is commonly applied to speeches, teachers, coaches, books, posters, videos, and other forms of communication that encourage people to try harder, remain positive, or pursue a goal. In everyday use, the word can carry a promotional or self-improvement association: a motivational speaker may be admired for inspiration but sometimes viewed as delivering formulaic encouragement. It is also frequently associated with education, sport, business, and personal development. The term is related to motivation, the drive that gives a person purpose or persistence, while motivated describes someone who already has such drive. Motivational is therefore best understood as describing an influence or method that seeks to create or strengthen that internal drive.
Able to arouse or strengthen enthusiasm, determination, or willingness to act.
"The team found the captain's motivational speech to be exactly what they needed."
Often used of speeches, teaching, coaching, writing, and visual media intended to inspire or encourage.
An act, message, or piece of content intended to inspire or encourage people.
"The advertisement was little more than a motivational dressed up as a sales pitch."
Informal and usually plural; less common than the adjective.
Informal and uncommon; usually appears in the plural when referring to motivational acts, messages, or pieces of content.
"The conference featured several short motivationals aimed at young entrepreneurs."
A motivational message may not change your circumstances, but it can change the energy with which you face them.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does motivational come from?
Motivational was formed within the English word family of motivate and motivation. Motivate came through French from Latin roots associated with movēre, “to move,” and the same Latin foundation underlies motive, motivation, and motivated. The adjective developed in the modern period alongside the widening use of motivation in psychology, education, and public persuasion.
Related word forms
How motivational is actually used
The adjective is common in educational, workplace, sports, and self-improvement contexts. It is often somewhat promotional, so a genuinely neutral piece may be better described as inspiring or encouraging. The noun use is informal and plural.
Easily confused with motivational
Motivational describes something intended to inspire or encourage people, whereas motivated describes a person who has a strong reason or determination to act.