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  1. Dictionary
    motive
    /ˈməʊtɪv/

    noun

    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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    More definitions, origin and scrabble points

  2. dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › englishMOTIVE | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary

    MOTIVE definition: 1. a reason for doing something: 2. (of power or force) causing movement or action 3. a reason for…. Learn more.

  3. www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › motiveMotive Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

    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.

  4. www.dictionary.com › browse › motiveMOTIVE Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

    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.

  5. dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionaryMOTIVE | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary

    motive. noun [ C ] us / ˈmoʊ.t̬ɪv / uk / ˈməʊ.tɪv / Add to word list. B2. 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.

  6. www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › englishMOTIVE definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary

    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.

  7. www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › englishmotive noun - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes...

    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.

  8. www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › motiveMotive - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com

    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”