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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 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.
MOTIVE meaning: 1. a reason for doing something: 2. (of power or force) causing movement or action 3. a reason for…. Learn more.
n. 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.
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 meaning, definition, what is motive: the reason that makes someone do somethi...: Learn more.
motive a reason that explains someone's behavior: There seemed to be no motive for the murder. justification ( somewhat formal ) a good reason why something exists or is done: I can see no possible justification for any further tax increases.