What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mainspring
Example
The mainspring of his success was his unwavering determination. [mainspring: noun]
Example
Her passion for music was the mainspring that drove her to pursue a career in the industry. [mainspring: noun]
motivation
Example
His motivation for studying hard was to get into a good university. [motivation: noun]
Example
She lacked the motivation to exercise regularly until she found a workout buddy. [motivation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Motivation is more commonly used than mainspring in everyday language. Motivation is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts, while mainspring is less common and may be considered more formal or literary.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mainspring and motivation?
Mainspring is typically associated with a more formal or literary tone, while motivation is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
