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- DictionaryMo·tive/ˈmōdiv/
noun
- 1. a reason for doing something, especially one that is hidden or not obvious: "a motive for his murder"
- 2. (in art, literature, or music) a motif: "the entire work grows organically from the opening horn motive"
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"
The meaning of MOTIVE is something (such as a need or desire) that causes a person to act. How to use motive in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Motive.
MOTIVE definition: 1. a reason for doing something: 2. (of power or force) causing movement or action 3. a reason for…. Learn more.
noun. something that causes a person to act in a certain way, do a certain thing, etc.; incentive. Synonyms: cause, ground, occasion, influence, spur, stimulus, incitement, motivation. the goal or object of a person's actions: Her motive was revenge. (in art, literature, and music) a motif.
MOTIVE meaning: 1. a reason for doing something: 2. (of power or force) causing movement or action 3. a reason for…. Learn more.
Definitions of motive. noun. the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior. “he acted with the best of motives ” synonyms: motivation, need. see more. adjective. causing or able to cause motion. “a motive force” “ motive power”
motive (for something) a reason for doing something. There seemed to be no motive for the murder. I'm suspicious of his motives. the profit motive (= the desire to make a profit) I have an ulterior motive in offering to help you. Synonyms reason.
Jun 2, 2016 · motive, incentive, inducement apply to whatever moves one to action. motive is, literally, something that moves a person; an inducement, something that leads a person on; an incentive, something that inspires a person.
Motive is applied mainly to an inner urge that moves or prompts a person to action, though it may also apply to a contemplated result, the desire for which moves the person: His motive was a wish to be helpful.
a reason for doing something: The police don't yet know the motive for the killing. (Definition of motive from the Cambridge Learner's Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)
A complete guide to the word "MOTIVE": definitions, pronunciations, synonyms, grammar insights, collocations, examples, and translations.
