motivate, verb
To request (something) and present a case in support of this request; to submit facts and arguments (in support of a proposal, request, application, or theoretical position).
- Note:
- Used very rarely in this sense in other varieties of English.
a. transitive.
1975 Dict. of Eng. Usage in Sn Afr. 120Civil servants are requested to motivate their demands for higher wages.
1994 Bulletin No.3, Rhodes University Annual Wage Negotiations 12 Aug.Staff requiring additional paid leave will..be granted the opportunity of motivating their case to the Administrative Sub-Committee of Council.
b. intransitive.
1991 P. Botha on TV1, 25 July (Agenda)The Minister of Finance can allocate funds to those Ministers who can come and motivate — who can come and make out a case.
1994 W. Holleman Informant, Grahamstown (now Makhanda, Eastern Cape)We needed funds...They said we should motivate this year.
To request (something) and present a case in support of this request; to submit facts and arguments (in support of a proposal, request, application, or theoretical position).

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