What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
encourage
Example
I want to encourage you to keep trying, even if it's difficult. [encourage: verb]
Example
Her words of encouragement motivated me to finish the project. [encouragement: noun]
motivate
Example
The promise of a reward motivated him to work harder. [motivate: verb]
Example
She was motivated by her desire to succeed and prove herself. [motivated: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Encourage is more commonly used in everyday language than motivate. Encourage is versatile and can be used in a wide range of contexts, while motivate is more specific and often used in professional or academic settings.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between encourage and motivate?
Both encourage and motivate can be used in formal and informal contexts, but motivate is often associated with a more formal tone due to its use in professional or academic settings.
