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MOTIVE definition: 1. a reason for doing something: 2. (of power or force) causing movement or action 3. a reason for…. Learn more.
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.
The motive for this shocking attack seems to be racial hatred. Detectives have been unable to assign a motive for the murder. He claims he just wants to help Lisa but I suspect he has an ulterior motive.
Jun 2, 2024 · there's something in a woman beyond all human delight; a magnetic virtue, a charming quality, an occult and powerful motive. An incentive to act in a particular way; a reason or emotion that makes one want to do something; anything that prompts a choice of action.
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 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.
Your reason for doing something is your motive. Your motive to go to school every day is to learn. Or maybe the thought of your parents' anger and a run-in with the truant officer is motive enough.
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 usu. applied to an inner urge that moves a person; it may also apply to a contemplated goal, the desire for which moves the person: Her motive was a wish to help. Money was the motive for the crime.
motive. noun [ C ] uk / ˈməʊtɪv / us. Add to word list. Add to word list. B2. 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)
