How do you pronounce "motivate"?

In American English: /ˈmoʊtəˌveɪt/ (MOHT-uh-vayt). In British English: /mˈəʊtɪvˌeɪt/ (M-oht-iv). In Canadian English: /ˈmoʊtəˌveɪt/ (MOHT-uh-vayt). In Australian English: /mˈəʊtɪvˌeɪt/ (M-oht-iv).

Is "motivate" pronounced differently in American and British English?

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ˈmoʊtəˌveɪt/ (MOHT-uh-vayt), while in British English it's /mˈəʊtɪvˌeɪt/ (M-oht-iv).

How to Pronounce "motivate"

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motivate

regional

/ˈmoʊtəˌveɪt/

MOHT-uh-vayt

Syllable Breakdown

moʊtmo·əti·veɪtvate

Source

90%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14