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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.
MOTIVE definition: 1. a reason for doing something: 2. (of power or force) causing movement or action 3. a reason for…. Learn more.
a reason for doing something: Why would she have killed him? She has no motive. Does he have a motive for lying about where he was? What is the motive behind (= the reason for) the bombing? I think you should examine / question their motives in offering to lend you the money.
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, 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 (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.
1. An emotion, desire, physiological need, or similar impulse that acts as an incitement to action. 2. (mō′tĭv, mō-tēv′) A motif in art, literature, or music. adj. 1. Causing or able to cause motion: motive power. 2. Causing an action: motive pleas.
Definition of motive adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
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.
