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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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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.
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.
Learn the meaning of motive as a noun and an adjective, and see how to use it in different contexts. Find out the synonyms, antonyms, and related words for motive in the Cambridge Dictionary.
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” synonyms: motor. causative.
Learn the meaning of motive as a noun, adjective, and verb, and see how to use it in different contexts. Find synonyms, pronunciation, and related words for motive.
Learn the meaning of motive as a noun and an adjective, and see how to use it in different contexts. Find out the synonyms, antonyms, and related words for motive in the Cambridge Dictionary.
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.
