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B1 adjective #50 よく出る 14分で読める

motivated

上位50

At the A1 level, 'motivated' is a word you might not use every day, but it is easy to understand. It simply means you 'want to do something very much.' If you are motivated to learn English, it means you like English and you want to study hard. You can think of it as having a 'reason' to do something. For example, 'I am motivated to study because I want a good job.' It is a positive word. You feel good when you are motivated. You have energy. You are not lazy. At this level, just remember that it describes a person who is ready to work or learn because they have a goal. You can use it with 'to' and a verb, like 'motivated to play' or 'motivated to work.' It is a long word, but it is very useful for talking about your feelings and your plans for the future.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'motivated' to describe yourself and others in more detail. It is an adjective that describes someone who has a strong desire to achieve something. You might hear your teacher say, 'You are a very motivated student.' This is a compliment! It means you work hard without being told. You can also use the word with 'by' to show the reason for your feelings. For example, 'I am motivated by my family.' This means your family is the reason you work hard. At this level, you should also know the word 'motivation,' which is the noun form. You can say, 'My motivation is to travel.' Remember, 'motivated' is the feeling you have, and 'motivation' is the thing that gives you that feeling. It's a great word to use when talking about your hobbies, your job, or your studies.

At the B1 level, 'motivated' becomes a key vocabulary word for professional and academic contexts. You are expected to understand that motivation can come from different sources. You might be 'highly motivated' (very motivated) or 'self-motivated' (you don't need others to push you). This is a very common word in job interviews. If an employer asks, 'What motivates you?', they want to know what makes you work hard. You could answer, 'I am motivated by solving difficult problems.' You should also be able to use the word to describe groups, like 'a motivated team.' At this level, you should also start to notice the difference between 'motivated' and 'motivating.' A 'motivating' book is one that makes you feel 'motivated.' Using these correctly shows that you have a good grasp of English adjectives. It's also useful for discussing social issues, like how to keep young people motivated to stay in school.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'motivated' in complex sentences and understanding its nuances in different registers. You can use adverbs like 'intrinsically', 'extrinsically', 'strongly', or 'poorly' to modify it. For example, 'The employees were intrinsically motivated by the challenging nature of the work.' You should also understand its use in more abstract contexts, such as 'The government's decision was motivated by political pressure.' In this case, it means 'caused by' or 'justified by.' You can also use the negative forms 'unmotivated' and 'demotivated' accurately. 'Unmotivated' suggests a general lack of drive, while 'demotivated' suggests that someone's enthusiasm has been taken away by external factors. At this level, you can use 'motivated' to analyze characters in literature or to discuss psychological theories of human behavior. It is a versatile word that adds precision to your descriptions of human intent and action.

At the C1 level, your use of 'motivated' should be sophisticated and precise. You understand that motivation is a complex psychological construct. You can discuss the 'volitional' aspects of being motivated—how it relates to the will and decision-making. You might use the word in a formal essay to discuss 'achievement-motivated individuals' or 'the socio-economically motivated migration patterns.' Here, the word is used to describe large-scale human behaviors and their underlying causes. You are also aware of the subtle differences between 'motivated' and its more intense synonyms like 'driven', 'galvanized', or 'impassioned'. You can use these words to create specific tones in your writing. For instance, 'galvanized' suggests a sudden, collective movement, whereas 'motivated' is more individual and sustained. Your ability to use 'motivated' as a past participle in complex structures, such as 'Motivated by a desire for reform, the committee proposed several changes,' shows a high level of grammatical control.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'motivated' and its entire word family. You can use it with effortless precision in any context, from casual conversation to highly technical academic discourse. You might explore the philosophical implications of what it means to be 'motivated'—is it a choice, or is it determined by our environment and biology? You can use the word to describe subtle psychological states, such as being 'ambivalently motivated' (having conflicting reasons for action). In professional settings, you might lead discussions on 'motivation theory' (e.g., Maslow's Hierarchy or Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory) and how to create 'optimally motivated' environments. You understand the historical etymology of the word from the Latin 'motivus' and how its meaning has evolved in the context of modern psychology and economics. Your use of the word is not just about vocabulary; it's about using it as a tool for deep analysis of human nature, ethics, and social dynamics.

練習する例文メモとヒント

motivated 30秒で

Motivated describes having a strong desire or reason to do something, leading to focused action and determination.
It is commonly used in work, sports, and education to describe people who are hardworking and goal-oriented.
The word can be modified by adverbs like 'highly' and is often followed by 'by' (the cause) or 'to' (the action).
It differs from 'motivating', which describes the thing that causes the feeling, rather than the feeling itself.

The word motivated is a powerful adjective that describes a psychological state of being driven toward a specific goal or outcome. At its core, being motivated means you have a 'motive'—a reason for action. It is not just about wanting something; it is about the internal energy and determination that pushes you to actually do the work required to get it. In the modern world, this word is ubiquitous, appearing in contexts ranging from high-stakes corporate boardrooms to the quiet reflections of a student studying for an exam. When we say someone is motivated, we are commenting on their level of engagement and their willingness to overcome obstacles. It is the opposite of being apathetic or indifferent. This state of mind can be triggered by external rewards, such as money or praise, which we call extrinsic motivation, or it can come from a deep personal passion, known as intrinsic motivation. Understanding the nuances of this word involves recognizing that it is both a temporary feeling and a long-term personality trait. For instance, you might feel motivated to clean your room because you expect guests, or you might be a naturally motivated person who consistently seeks out new challenges to improve yourself. The word carries a positive connotation, suggesting productivity, ambition, and a healthy sense of purpose. It is often used to describe athletes who train in the rain, entrepreneurs who work late into the night, and learners who dedicate hours to mastering a new language. In daily conversation, it serves as a shorthand for 'ready and willing to act.'

Intrinsic Motivation: This refers to doing something because it is inherently interesting or enjoyable. A motivated artist paints because they love the process of creation, not just for the paycheck.

Extrinsic Motivation: This involves performing a task to earn a reward or avoid a punishment. A motivated employee might work extra hours specifically to secure a year-end bonus.

Even after the defeat, the team remained motivated to win the next championship.

In professional settings, being described as 'highly motivated' is one of the best compliments a worker can receive. It suggests that they do not need constant supervision and that they possess the 'grit' necessary to see projects through to completion. Educators also focus heavily on how to keep students motivated, recognizing that a student who is eager to learn will always outperform one who is simply going through the motions. The word also appears frequently in self-help literature, where the focus is on how to find and maintain motivation during difficult times. It is a dynamic state; it can wax and wane depending on our physical health, our environment, and our mental clarity. Therefore, when people use this word, they are often talking about the 'spark' that ignites action. It is the bridge between a thought and a result. Without being motivated, even the most brilliant plans remain nothing more than ideas on paper. In essence, to be motivated is to be in motion, either mentally or physically, toward a destination that matters to you.

She is a motivated self-starter who doesn't wait for instructions to begin a task.

The Role of Goals: Motivation is almost always goal-oriented. Whether the goal is small (finishing a book) or large (starting a company), the motivated person keeps that target in sight at all times.

I felt incredibly motivated after listening to the keynote speaker's life story.

The promise of a promotion kept him motivated throughout the grueling project.

Are you motivated by a desire for fame or a desire for excellence?

Using the word motivated correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical patterns and common modifiers. As an adjective, it typically follows a linking verb like 'be', 'feel', or 'remain'. For example, 'He is motivated' or 'She feels motivated.' However, it is most expressive when paired with adverbs that indicate the intensity of the feeling. Words like 'highly', 'extremely', 'deeply', 'strongly', and 'purely' are frequently used to add weight to the description. Saying someone is 'highly motivated' suggests a level of dedication that goes beyond the average. Furthermore, 'motivated' is often followed by the preposition 'by' to indicate the source of the drive. You might say, 'He is motivated by a sense of duty,' or 'They are motivated by the fear of failure.' This structure allows you to explain the underlying cause of someone's behavior, providing deeper insight into their character. Another common pattern is 'motivated to' followed by a verb, as in 'She is motivated to succeed' or 'We are motivated to change the world.' This points directly to the action being fueled by the motivation.

Adverbial Enhancement: Using 'highly motivated' or 'poorly motivated' helps quantify the level of drive. It is common in performance reviews and academic reports.

The students were motivated by the prospect of a field trip.

In more formal or academic writing, 'motivated' can be used to describe the reasoning behind a decision or a theory. For instance, 'The new policy was motivated by a need for greater transparency.' Here, it doesn't refer to a person's feelings but rather to the justification or rationale for an action. This usage is slightly more abstract but equally important. When describing people, you can also use 'motivated' as a participial adjective before a noun, such as 'a motivated workforce' or 'a motivated athlete.' This attributes the quality of motivation as a defining characteristic of the group or individual. It is also worth noting the negative form, 'unmotivated', which describes a lack of drive. However, in many cases, people prefer to use 'demotivated' to describe a situation where someone's initial drive has been lost due to external factors, like a bad boss or a difficult environment. Choosing between 'unmotivated' (never had the drive) and 'demotivated' (lost the drive) adds precision to your English.

It is difficult to stay motivated when you don't see immediate results.

The 'Motivated To' Pattern: This is the most common way to link the feeling to an action. Example: 'I am motivated to learn English so I can travel the world.'

The researchers were motivated to find a cure for the rare disease.

A motivated individual can achieve almost anything they set their mind to.

He wasn't particularly motivated by money; he wanted to make a difference.

Prepositional Usage: Always use 'by' for the cause (motivated by love) and 'to' for the action (motivated to help).

The word motivated is a staple of several specific environments, each using it with a slightly different flavor. In the **workplace**, you will hear it constantly during hiring and performance evaluations. Recruiters look for 'self-motivated' candidates—people who can work independently without needing a manager to constantly check on them. During team meetings, a manager might try to keep the staff 'motivated' during a difficult quarter by offering incentives or sharing a vision of future success. In this context, the word is tied to productivity and economic output. You might hear, 'We need to find ways to keep the sales team motivated.' Another major arena for this word is **sports and fitness**. Coaches use it to inspire their athletes, and fitness influencers use it to encourage their followers to hit the gym. Here, 'motivated' is often synonymous with 'hungry for victory' or 'disciplined'. You'll hear phrases like, 'You have to stay motivated even when you're tired.' It's about the physical and mental grit required to push the body to its limits.

Corporate Jargon: In offices, 'motivated' often appears in mission statements and job descriptions to signal a culture of high energy and ambition.

The coach gave a speech that left every player feeling incredibly motivated.

In **educational settings**, teachers and professors discuss how to keep students 'motivated' to learn. This is a central theme in educational psychology. You might hear a teacher say, 'The students are much more motivated when the lesson is interactive.' In this sphere, the word is linked to curiosity and the desire for knowledge. It's about moving away from rote memorization toward a genuine interest in the subject matter. Furthermore, the **self-improvement and wellness** industry revolves entirely around this word. Podcasts, books, and YouTube videos are dedicated to 'how to get motivated' or 'staying motivated for your goals.' In this context, it's often treated as a resource that can be depleted and needs to be refilled. You'll hear people say, 'I've lost my motivation,' or 'I need a motivated partner to keep me accountable.' Finally, in **legal and psychological** contexts, 'motivated' is used to describe the reason behind a crime or a behavior. A lawyer might speak of a 'politically motivated attack,' meaning the action was driven by political beliefs. This usage is more clinical and less about 'inspiration' and more about 'causality'.

Is the suspect's behavior motivated by greed or by a need for survival?

The 'Self-Help' Vibe: In the world of 'hustle culture,' being motivated is often equated with success and worthiness.

I'm not feeling very motivated today; I think I need a break.

The scholarship is designed for motivated students from low-income backgrounds.

She was motivated to prove everyone wrong after they doubted her abilities.

Educational Psychology: Teachers often discuss 'extrinsic' vs 'intrinsic' factors that keep students motivated in the classroom.

Even though motivated is a common word, learners often stumble over its usage in a few specific ways. The most frequent error is the confusion between the adjective forms **'motivated'** and **'motivating'**. This is a classic 'ed' vs 'ing' adjective problem. 'Motivated' describes how a person feels (the internal state), while 'motivating' describes the thing that causes that feeling (the external stimulus). For example, it is incorrect to say 'I am very motivating today' if you mean you have a lot of energy to work; you should say 'I am very motivated.' Conversely, you wouldn't say 'The speech was very motivated'; you would say 'The speech was very motivating.' Getting these two mixed up can lead to significant confusion about who is doing what. Another common mistake involves prepositions. Many learners try to use 'motivated with' or 'motivated for' when they should use 'motivated by'. While 'for' can sometimes work in specific contexts (e.g., 'motivated for the wrong reasons'), 'by' is the standard choice for indicating the source of motivation. For instance, 'He is motivated by a desire to help' is much more natural than 'He is motivated with a desire to help.'

The 'ED' vs 'ING' Trap: Always ask: Am I describing a feeling (motivated) or a characteristic of a thing (motivating)?

Incorrect: He is a very motivating student. (Unless he inspires others). Correct: He is a very motivated student.

A third mistake is overusing the word in situations where a more specific synonym would be better. While 'motivated' is a great general-purpose word, using it repeatedly in a cover letter or essay can make your writing feel repetitive. Instead of saying 'I am motivated' five times, you could use 'driven', 'ambitious', 'enthusiastic', or 'determined'. Furthermore, some learners confuse 'motivated' with 'ambitious'. While they are related, 'ambitious' specifically refers to a desire for high status, power, or wealth, whereas 'motivated' can apply to any goal, even a small or selfless one. You can be motivated to help a neighbor, but you wouldn't necessarily call that 'ambitious'. Lastly, watch out for the negative forms. As mentioned before, 'unmotivated' and 'demotivated' are not exactly the same. If you say a student is 'unmotivated', it implies they lack drive in general. If you say they are 'demotivated', it implies something happened to take their drive away. Using the wrong one can slightly change the meaning of your sentence and how it is perceived by a native speaker.

Incorrect: She was motivated with the prize. Correct: She was motivated by the prize.

Unmotivated vs. Demotivated: Use 'unmotivated' for a general lack of interest. Use 'demotivated' when a specific event caused the loss of interest.

The lack of feedback left the employees feeling demotivated.

He is motivated to learn, but he needs a better teacher.

The team was motivated by the coach's inspiring words.

Overuse in CVs: Instead of just writing 'I am motivated,' try 'I am a results-oriented professional with a strong drive for excellence.'

To truly master the concept of being motivated, it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and near-synonyms. Each alternative carries a slightly different nuance that can change the tone of your sentence. **'Driven'** is perhaps the closest synonym, but it is more intense. A 'driven' person is often seen as someone who cannot stop working, perhaps even to the point of obsession. It implies a very strong, almost unstoppable internal force. **'Inspired'** is another common alternative, but it suggests an external spark or a creative awakening. You might be 'inspired' by a beautiful sunset to write a poem, but you are 'motivated' to finish the poem so you can publish it. Inspiration is the 'aha!' moment, while motivation is the 'keep going' energy. **'Ambitious'** is specifically focused on achieving high goals, status, or success. You can be motivated to do your laundry, but you wouldn't call that ambitious. **'Determined'** focuses on the refusal to give up. If you are determined, you have made a firm decision and will not let obstacles stop you. It is more about the 'will' than the 'desire'.

Motivated vs. Driven: 'Motivated' is generally positive and balanced. 'Driven' is more intense and can sometimes imply a lack of work-life balance.

He is so driven that he often forgets to eat or sleep.

Other words like **'enthusiastic'** and **'eager'** describe the emotional state of being excited about something. While a motivated person is often enthusiastic, they don't have to be. You can be motivated to do something you dislike (like taxes) simply because you want to avoid the consequences. Enthusiasm implies you are enjoying the prospect. **'Galvanized'** is a more formal and dramatic word, often used when a group of people is suddenly shocked into action by an event. For example, 'The community was galvanized by the recent tragedy.' This is a sudden, powerful form of motivation. **'Spurred'** is similar, often used with 'on' (spurred on by...), suggesting that something pushed the person to move faster or work harder. Finally, **'zealous'** describes someone who is extremely, perhaps even excessively, devoted to a cause. It has a slightly more religious or political feel than the neutral 'motivated'. By choosing the right word, you can communicate exactly what kind of 'push' a person is feeling.

The team felt inspired after seeing the impact of their work on the community.

Motivated vs. Ambitious: 'Ambitious' is about the height of the goal. 'Motivated' is about the strength of the desire to reach it.

She is a determined individual who never lets a 'no' stop her.

The volunteers were enthusiastic about the new project.

The sudden change in the market galvanized the company into action.

Summary Table: Motivated (General) | Driven (Intense) | Inspired (Creative) | Ambitious (Success-oriented) | Determined (Resilient).

How Formal Is It?

フォーマル

ニュートラル

カジュアル

Child friendly

スラング

豆知識

The word 'motivated' in its modern psychological sense didn't become common until the mid-20th century. Before that, people used words like 'zealous' or 'industrious'.

発音ガイド

UK /ˈməʊ.tɪ.veɪ.tɪd/

US /ˈmoʊ.t̬ə.veɪ.t̬ɪd/

The primary stress is on the first syllable: MO-ti-va-ted.

韻が合う語

activated calculated educated isolated situated updated validated related

よくある間違い

Stressing the second syllable (mo-TI-va-ted).
Pronouncing the 'o' as a short 'o' like in 'hot'.
Dropping the final 'ed' sound.
Confusing the 'v' sound with a 'b' sound.
Not making the 'a' in 'va' a long 'a' sound.

難易度

読解 2/5

Easy to recognize in context for B1 learners.

ライティング 3/5

Requires care with prepositions (by/to) and 'ed/ing' endings.

スピーキング 2/5

Common word, easy to pronounce once stress is learned.

リスニング 2/5

Clear pronunciation in most dialects.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

want reason goal work hard

次に学ぶ

ambition incentive enthusiasm persistence volition

上級

intrinsic motivation extrinsic motivation self-actualization galvanize impetus

知っておくべき文法

Adjectives ending in -ed vs -ing

I am motivated (feeling). The book is motivating (cause).

Linking verbs with adjectives

He feels motivated. She remains motivated.

Passive voice with 'by'

The team was motivated by the fans.

Infinitive of purpose

I am motivated to succeed (to + verb).

Adverb placement

He is a *highly* motivated person.

レベル別の例文

I am motivated to learn English.

I want to learn English very much.

Subject + be + motivated + to-infinitive.

She is a motivated student.

She works hard at school.

Motivated as an adjective before a noun.

He is motivated to run every day.

He wants to run every day.

Used with 'to' and a verb.

Are you motivated to work today?

Do you want to work today?

Question form with 'be' verb.

We are motivated by our teacher.

Our teacher makes us want to learn.

Passive structure with 'by'.

They are not motivated to clean.

They do not want to clean.

Negative form with 'not'.

I feel motivated after breakfast.

I have energy after I eat.

Used with the linking verb 'feel'.

Is he motivated to win?

Does he want to win the game?

Simple question structure.

She is motivated by a desire to help people.

She wants to help people, so she works hard.

Motivated + by + noun phrase.

It is hard to stay motivated in the winter.

It is difficult to keep wanting to do things when it is cold.

Stay + motivated (linking verb).

He is a highly motivated worker.

He is a very hardworking person.

Adverb 'highly' modifying the adjective.

What makes you feel motivated?

What gives you the energy to do things?

Feel + motivated (adjective).

The prize kept the children motivated.

The children worked hard because they wanted the prize.

Keep + object + motivated.

I am motivated to save money for a car.

I want to save money because I want a car.

Motivated + to + verb.

She wasn't motivated enough to finish the book.

She didn't want to finish it enough.

Adjective + enough + to-infinitive.

He is motivated by his love for music.

Music is the reason he practices.

Motivated + by + noun.

The team was highly motivated to win the championship.

The team really wanted to win the big game.

Adverb 'highly' + motivated + to-infinitive.

I need to find a way to stay motivated at work.

I need to find a reason to keep working hard.

Stay + motivated (stative verb).

She is a self-motivated individual who works well alone.

She doesn't need a boss to tell her what to do.

Compound adjective 'self-motivated'.

He was motivated by the prospect of a promotion.

He worked hard because he might get a better job.

Motivated + by + the prospect of...

It's important to keep your employees motivated.

You must make sure your workers want to do a good job.

Keep + object + adjective.

Are you motivated more by money or by passion?

Which one is a stronger reason for you?

Comparative question with 'more... by... or by...'

The students were motivated to learn about the environment.

The students were interested and wanted to study nature.

Motivated + to + verb.

She felt demotivated after her ideas were rejected.

She lost her drive because people said 'no' to her.

Using the negative 'demotivated'.

The company's new policy was motivated by a need for efficiency.

The reason for the new rule was to make things work better.

Abstract use: 'motivated by' meaning 'caused by'.

He is intrinsically motivated, meaning he works for personal satisfaction.

He works hard because he likes the work, not for money.

Using the adverb 'intrinsically'.

It is difficult to remain motivated when faced with constant setbacks.

It's hard to keep going when things keep going wrong.

Remain + motivated (linking verb).

The research was motivated by the lack of data on the subject.

The study was done because there wasn't enough information.

Formal/Academic usage.

She is a highly motivated professional with ten years of experience.

She is a very dedicated expert.

Common phrase in CVs/Resumes.

The team became demotivated due to poor leadership.

The team lost their drive because the boss was bad.

Demotivated + due to...

Is human behavior primarily motivated by self-interest?

Do people mostly do things for themselves?

Adverb 'primarily' modifying 'motivated'.

The volunteers were motivated to make a difference in their community.

They wanted to help their local area.

Motivated + to + make a difference.

The suspect's actions were clearly motivated by political animosity.

The person did it because they hated a political group.

Formal/Legal usage: motivated by + abstract noun.

A truly motivated workforce is the cornerstone of any successful enterprise.

Hardworking employees are the most important part of a business.

Motivated as a participial adjective modifying 'workforce'.

She was motivated to excel not by vanity, but by a genuine love for the craft.

She didn't want to show off; she just loved what she did.

Parallel structure: 'not by... but by...'

The study explores how students can be motivated to engage with complex texts.

The research looks at how to make students want to read hard books.

Passive voice: 'be motivated to engage'.

He remained motivated despite the systemic obstacles in his path.

He kept his drive even though the whole system was against him.

Concessive clause with 'despite'.

The reform was motivated by a desire to achieve greater social equity.

The change was made to make society more fair.

Abstract noun phrase as the object of 'by'.

One must be highly motivated to sustain such a rigorous training schedule.

You need a lot of drive to keep doing such hard exercise.

Use of 'one' as a formal generic subject.

The decision was motivated by a combination of economic and ethical factors.

The choice was made for both money and moral reasons.

Complex noun phrase: 'a combination of... and...'

The narrative is motivated by the protagonist's quest for existential meaning.

The story moves forward because the main character is looking for the meaning of life.

Literary analysis usage.

Such behavior is often motivated by deep-seated psychological insecurities.

People do this because they feel very unsure of themselves inside.

Psychological/Clinical usage.

The policy shift was motivated by a pragmatic assessment of the geopolitical landscape.

The change happened because they looked realistically at world politics.

High-level political discourse.

He is an exceptionally motivated individual, driven by a singular vision of the future.

He is very focused on one specific idea of what will happen.

Use of 'exceptionally' and 'driven by' as a parallel descriptor.

The researchers questioned whether the subjects were truly motivated or merely compliant.

Did they want to do it, or were they just following orders?

Contrast between 'motivated' and 'compliant'.

Her philanthropic efforts are motivated by a profound sense of global responsibility.

She gives money because she feels she must help the whole world.

Motivated + by + profound sense of...

The legislation was ostensibly motivated by public safety, though critics disagree.

They said it was for safety, but others think there was another reason.

Use of the adverb 'ostensibly' to qualify the motivation.

To what extent are our moral choices motivated by a fear of social ostracization?

How much do we do the right thing just because we are afraid of being left out?

Interrogative structure: 'To what extent are... motivated by...'

よく使う組み合わせ

highly motivated

self-motivated

intrinsically motivated

strongly motivated

poorly motivated

stay motivated

keep someone motivated

feel motivated

politically motivated

economically motivated

よく使うフレーズ

What motivates you?

Stay motivated!

Lose motivation

A motivated seller

Find your motivation

Highly motivated individual

Motivated by greed

Keep the momentum going

Self-starter

Fire in the belly

よく混同される語

motivated vs motivating

Motivating is the thing that causes the feeling; motivated is the feeling itself.

motivated vs ambitious

Ambitious is about the size of the goal; motivated is about the strength of the drive.

motivated vs inspired

Inspired is a creative spark; motivated is the sustained energy to work.

慣用句と表現

"Fire in the belly"

A strong determination to succeed.

You can tell she has a fire in her belly by how hard she trains.

Informal

"Hungry for success"

Very motivated to achieve great things.

The new recruits are all hungry for success.

Neutral

"Eyes on the prize"

Staying motivated by focusing on the final goal.

Keep your eyes on the prize and don't let distractions stop you.

Informal

"Go the extra mile"

To be so motivated that you do more than what is expected.

A motivated employee is always willing to go the extra mile.

Neutral

"Champing at the bit"

Being very eager and motivated to start something.

The team is champing at the bit to start the new season.

Informal

"Mean business"

To be very serious and motivated about achieving something.

After that loss, the team really means business.

Informal

"Light a fire under someone"

To do something that makes someone suddenly very motivated.

The threat of a deadline really lit a fire under him.

Informal

"Full of beans"

Having a lot of energy and motivation (often used for children).

The kids are full of beans today!

Informal

"Pull out all the stops"

To be so motivated that you use every possible resource to succeed.

They pulled out all the stops to finish the project on time.

Informal

"Work one's fingers to the bone"

To be extremely motivated to work very hard.

She worked her fingers to the bone to provide for her family.

Informal

間違えやすい

motivated vs Motivating

Both are adjectives from the same root.

Motivating describes the cause (e.g., a motivating speech). Motivated describes the person's feeling (e.g., a motivated listener).

The motivating coach made the motivated players work harder.

motivated vs Driven

They mean almost the same thing.

Driven is much stronger and implies a person who cannot stop. Motivated is more general and usually positive.

He is motivated to finish his work, but his boss is truly driven and never leaves the office.

motivated vs Ambitious

Both involve wanting to succeed.

Ambitious specifically refers to wanting power, money, or high status. You can be motivated to do something small, but you are ambitious for something big.

She is motivated to clean her house, but she is ambitious to become the CEO.

motivated vs Determined

Both involve focus on a goal.

Determined emphasizes not giving up when things are hard. Motivated emphasizes the energy and reason for doing it.

I am motivated to learn English, and I am determined to pass the exam even if it's difficult.

motivated vs Eager

Both involve wanting to do something.

Eager is about excitement and waiting to start. Motivated is about the internal drive to do the work.

The eager child wanted to start the game, but the motivated player practiced for hours.

文型パターン

I am motivated.

I am motivated to [verb].

I am motivated to study.

I am motivated by [noun].

I am motivated by my goals.

A highly motivated [noun].

A highly motivated team.

It is [adjective] to stay motivated.

It is hard to stay motivated.

She is [adverb] motivated.

She is intrinsically motivated.

Motivated by [noun], [subject] [verb].

Motivated by greed, he stole the money.

The [noun] is motivated by [abstract noun].

The narrative is motivated by existential dread.

語族

名詞

動詞

形容詞

使い方

frequency

Very high in professional and educational contexts.

よくある間違い

I am very motivating to learn. → I am very motivated to learn.
You are describing your feeling, so use the '-ed' form.
He is motivated with money. → He is motivated by money.
The standard preposition to show the source of motivation is 'by'.
The speech was very motivated. → The speech was very motivating.
The speech is the thing that causes the feeling, so use the '-ing' form.
I have a lot of motivated. → I have a lot of motivation.
'Motivated' is an adjective; 'motivation' is the noun you need after 'a lot of'.
She is a mo-TI-vated student. → She is a MO-ti-vated student.
The stress should be on the first syllable, not the second.

ヒント

The -ed/-ing Rule

Remember: People are motivated; things are motivating. A motivating movie makes you feel motivated.

Use Adverbs

Make your English sound better by adding adverbs like 'highly', 'deeply', or 'purely' before 'motivated'.

Job Interviews

When an interviewer asks what motivates you, don't just say 'money'. Mention things like 'growth', 'learning', or 'helping others'.

Avoid Repetition

If you've used 'motivated' once, try 'driven' or 'determined' the next time to keep your writing interesting.

Stress the First Syllable

Native speakers always stress the 'MO'. Saying 'mo-TI-vated' sounds unnatural.

Source of Motivation

Always try to follow 'motivated' with 'by' or 'to' to give more information and sound more fluent.

Intrinsic vs Extrinsic

Understanding these two terms will help you use 'motivated' more accurately in academic or professional discussions.

Stay Motivated

To stay motivated in your studies, set small goals and reward yourself when you reach them.

Negative Forms

Use 'demotivated' when you want to complain about a specific situation that ruined your mood.

Fire in the Belly

Use this idiom to describe someone who is extremely, visibly motivated to succeed.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of a 'MOTOR'. A 'MOT-ivated' person has an internal 'MOTOR' that keeps them moving toward their goal.

視覚的連想

Imagine a person running up a steep hill with a bright gold trophy waiting at the top. The trophy is their motive, and they are motivated.

Word Web

Goal Action Energy Reason Success Drive Reward Ambition

チャレンジ

Write three sentences about what makes you feel motivated to learn English. Use the words 'highly', 'by', and 'to'.

語源

Derived from the verb 'motivate', which comes from the noun 'motive'.

元の意味： The word 'motive' comes from the Latin 'motivus', meaning 'moving' or 'causing motion'.

Indo-European -> Italic -> Latin -> French -> English.

文化的な背景

Be careful not to judge others as 'unmotivated' without knowing their circumstances, as mental health or personal struggles can affect one's energy levels.

In the US and UK, 'self-motivated' is one of the most common buzzwords found on resumes.

Tony Robbins (motivational speaker) The song 'Eye of the Tiger' (often called a 'motivational' anthem) The #MondayMotivation trend on Twitter/X

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

Job Interview

I am a self-motivated professional.
I am motivated by new challenges.
I stay motivated by setting clear goals.
What motivates you in this role?

Sports

The team is motivated to win.
Stay motivated until the end!
He's a highly motivated athlete.
The coach's speech was very motivating.

School

She is a motivated learner.
How can we keep students motivated?
I'm motivated to get an A.
The prize motivated the class.

Personal Goals

I'm motivated to lose weight.
I've lost my motivation lately.
Find what makes you motivated.
I feel motivated to start a hobby.

Legal/News

The crime was racially motivated.
It was a politically motivated attack.
The change was motivated by new data.
Is the witness motivated by revenge?

会話のきっかけ

"What is one thing that makes you feel really motivated in the morning?"

"Do you consider yourself a self-motivated person, or do you need others to push you?"

"Have you ever felt demotivated at work or school? What happened?"

"What kind of rewards make you the most motivated to work hard?"

"Who is the most motivated person you know, and why do you think they are like that?"

日記のテーマ

Describe a time when you were highly motivated to achieve a difficult goal. What was the outcome?

If you lost all your motivation today, what is the first thing you would stop doing?

Write about the difference between being motivated by money and being motivated by passion.

How do you help a friend or family member who is feeling unmotivated?

What are three small things you can do every day to stay motivated to learn English?

よくある質問

10 問

Usually no. If you mean you have a lot of energy to work, say 'I am very motivated.' You only say 'I am motivating' if you are a person who inspires other people to work hard.

'Unmotivated' means you don't have any drive or interest in general. 'Demotivated' means you *had* drive, but something happened (like a bad grade) to make you lose it.

It is almost always positive. It suggests productivity and purpose. However, it can be negative if the reason is bad, like being 'motivated by revenge.'

Use it to describe your work ethic. For example: 'I am a self-motivated person who enjoys taking on new challenges.' Always give an example of *what* motivates you.

Use 'by' for the reason (motivated by success) and 'to' for the action (motivated to study).

Yes, in a formal way. You can say 'The new law was motivated by a need for safety.' This means the reason for the law was safety.

It is very common in business, so some people think it's a cliché. However, it is still a standard and clear way to describe a good worker.

It is when you are motivated by the joy of the task itself, not by a reward like money or grades.

It is MO-ti-va-ted. The stress is on the first part, and the 'o' sounds like 'go'.

Yes, you can use it in comparisons. 'I am more motivated to study today than I was yesterday.'