motive
adjective
1. causing or able to cause motion
- a motive force
- motive power
Similar word(s): causative, motor
2. impelling to action
- motive pleas
Similar word(s): causative, motivating, motivative
noun
1. 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
Similar word(s): motivation, need
Definition categories: general
2. a theme that is repeated or elaborated in a piece of music
Similar word(s): motif
Definition categories: communication, idea, theme
3. a design or figure that consists of recurring shapes or colors, as in architecture or decoration
Similar word(s): motif
Definition categories: man–made, design, figure, pattern
Sentences with motive as a noun:
- What would his motive be for burning down the cottage?
- No-one could understand why she had hidden the shovel; her motives were obscure at best.
- If you listen carefully, you can hear the flutes mimicking the cello motive.
verb
1. (transitive) To prompt or incite by a motive or motives; to move.