Can I say "motivate" instead of "encourage"? If so, are they always interchangeable?
Native speaker’s answer
Rebecca
Yes, you can replace "encourage" with "motivate" here. Both of these words have very similar meanings however there is a slight difference in nuance. To "encourage someone" usually means to boost up their emotions and make them feel better. It can also mean to help someone get through something difficult by talking them through it. To "motivate" doesn't usually refer to building up someones emotions, however, it does refer to helping someone push through something by giving them an encouraging talk. Ex: She was encouraged by her friends' support after her mother passed away. Ex: My teachers motivated me to graduate high school.