Motivation
moh-tih-VAY-shun
/ˌmoʊtɪˈveɪʃən/
The reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way.
In criminal profiling, understanding motivation is key to predicting future actions and identifying the psychological needs an offender is trying to fulfill.
The story behind the word. The word 'motivation' comes from the Latin 'motivus,' meaning 'moving' or 'pertaining to motion.' This root gave us 'motive,' referring to the reason that moves someone to act. 'Motivation' then developed to describe the general desire or willingness to do something, or the underlying reasons that drive behavior.
Word relationships
- incentive: Something that encourages a person to do something.
- drive: An innate, typically fixed pattern of behavior.
- reason: A cause, explanation, or justification for an action or event.
- demotivation: Loss of enthusiasm or incentive.
- apathy: Lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern.
Commonly confused with
- Goal: A 'goal' is the desired outcome, while 'motivation' is the internal force or reason that drives one towards that goal.
Word family
- motivate (verb): To provide (someone) with a motive for doing something.
- motive (noun): A reason for doing something, especially one that is hidden or not obvious.
Collocations
- strong motivation
- lack of motivation
- criminal motivation
- underlying motivation
Example sentences
- "Profilers often categorize criminal motivations as power, sexual gratification, financial gain, or revenge." His motivation for studying was to get into a good university.
- "Understanding the perpetrator's motivation is crucial for developing effective intervention and prevention strategies." Lack of motivation can lead to procrastination.
Memory hook
Your 'MOTIVATION' is what 'MOVES' you to action. MOVES to action
When not to use
Avoid using 'motivation' if you mean 'inspiration' in a purely positive, uplifting sense, unless the context allows for it. It's a neutral term for 'reason for action.'
Fun facts
- Abraham Maslow's 'Hierarchy of Needs' is a famous psychological theory of motivation.
- In criminal psychology, understanding the 'why' behind a crime (the motivation) is often as important as the 'how' or 'what'.
Related words
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