Yahoo Web Search

Search results

1. Dictionary

   Mo·tive

   /ˈmōdiv/

   

   noun

   • 1. a reason for doing something, especially one that is hidden or not obvious: "a motive for his murder" Similar reasonmotivationmotivating forcerationalegroundscausebasisoccasionthinkingthe whys and whereforesobjectpurposeintentiondesignincentiveinducementimpulseincitementinfluencelureinspirationstimulusstimulationspurgoadprovocationpressurepersuasionconsideration
   • 2. (in art, literature, or music) a motif: "the entire work grows organically from the opening horn motive" Similar motifthemeideaconceptsubjecttopicleitmotiftropeelement

   adjective

   • 1. producing physical or mechanical motion: "the charge of gas is the motive force for every piston stroke"
   • 2. causing or being the reason for something: "the motive principle of a writer's work"

   Word Origin late Middle English: from Old French motif (adjective used as a noun), from late Latin motivus, from movere ‘to move’.

   Derivatives

   • 1. motiveless adjective
   • 2. motivelessly adverb
   • 3. motivelessness noun
   • 4. motivity noun

   Scrabble Points: 11

   • M

     3

   • O

     1

   • T

     1

   • I

     1

   • V

     4

   • E

     1

   Powered by Oxford Languages

   More Definitions, Word Origin & ScrabbleShow less