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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" Similar
- 2. (in art, literature, or music) a motif: "the entire work grows organically from the opening horn motive" Similar
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"
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verb [ T ] us / ˈmoʊ·t̬əˌveɪt / She’s motivated by a desire to help people.
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.
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.
a design or figure that consists of recurring shapes or colors, as in architecture or decoration. synonyms: motif. see more.
MOTIVE meaning: 1. a reason for doing something: 2. (of power or force) causing movement or action 3. a reason for…. Learn more.
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.
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. inducement is never applied to an inner urge, and seldom to a goal: The pleasure of wielding authority may be an inducement to get ahead.
: of, relating to, or causing motion. motive power. MOTIVE meaning: a reason for doing something often + for.
Motive Definition. mōtĭv. motived, motives, motiving. Meanings. Synonyms. Sentences. Definition Source. Word Forms. Origin. Noun. Adjective. Verb. Filter. noun. motives. Some inner drive, impulse, intention, etc. that causes a person to do something or act in a certain way; incentive; goal. Webster's New World. Similar definitions. Motif.
Definition of motive adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.