'motivation' originates from Latin/French, specifically from Latin 'motivus' (influential, moving) and ultimately from the verb 'movere' meaning 'to move', with the French formation 'motivation' influencing modern English.

'motivus' (Latin) passed into Late Latin and Old French as forms related to movement and reason; the French noun 'motivation' influenced English, and the modern English 'motivation' developed from these Romance-language forms.

Initially linked to 'movement' or what 'moves' someone (literal and figurative), it evolved into the current sense of 'reasons or drives for action'.