Motive

Definition

Motive refers to a reason or cause that prompts a person to act in a certain way or drives them to pursue a particular course of action.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Adjective (less common)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈmoʊtɪv/
• Respelling: MOH-tiv (with "MOH" as in "motel" and "tiv" as in "give")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈməʊtɪv/
• Respelling: MOH-tiv (with "MOH" as in "motel" and "tiv" as in "give")

In both dialects, "motive" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "MOH." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "MOH-tiv."

Etymology

The term "motive" has its origins in the late Middle English period. It is derived from the Old French word "motif" and the Latin word "motivus", which means "moving" or "causing motion".

Derivatives

• Motivation
• Motivate
• Motivator
• Unmotivated
• Demotivate

Synonyms

• Reason
• Incentive
• Justification

Antonyms

• None

Usage

"Motive" primarily describes the underlying reason or cause for a specific action or behavior.

• The detective sought to uncover the criminal's motive for the crime.
• Pure curiosity was her sole motive for joining the group.
• Without a clear motive, the case remained a mystery.

Related Terms

• Motivation
• Intent
• Purpose
• Cause
• Grounds

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Underlying Reason: A reason or cause that leads someone to do something or behave in a particular way.‍
• Example: Her motive for helping him was purely altruistic.

• In Art and Music: A distinctive or recurrent theme, especially in a work of art or piece of music.‍
• Example: The composer used a simple motive that repeated throughout the symphony.

Adjective

• Causing or Being the Reason for Something:
  • Producing physical or mechanical motion.
  • Causing action, motion, or the like.

• Example: A motive force in the industry.