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- Dictionarymotive/ˈməʊtɪv/
noun
- 1. a reason for doing something: "police were unable to establish a motive for his murder" Similar
- 2. a motif in art, literature, or music. 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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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.
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.
verb [ T ] us / ˈmoʊ·t̬əˌveɪt / She’s motivated by a desire to help people.
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.
noun. a design or figure that consists of recurring shapes or colors, as in architecture or decoration. synonyms: motif. see more.
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.
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.
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.
From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English mo‧tive1 /ˈməʊtɪv $ ˈmoʊ-/ AWL noun [ countable] 1 the reason that makes someone do something, especially when this reason is kept hidden What do you suppose the killer’s motive was? motive for (doing) something The police believe the motive for this murder was jealousy. motive behind The motiv...
