Motive
'məʊtɪv
Definitions
2 meaningsA reason or cause that prompts a person to act in a certain way.
'məʊtɪv
A reason for doing something.
The police are trying to determine the killer's motive.
💡 Simply: Imagine you see a kid helping an old lady cross the street. Their motive? Maybe they want to be kind, or perhaps they saw their parents helping someone, and they learned from them. A motive is why someone does something!
👶 For kids: The reason why someone does something. Like, if you eat a cookie, the motive is because you are hungry!
More Examples
What was the motive behind his sudden resignation?
She believed the motive for his actions was purely selfish.
How It's Used
"The prosecution argued that greed was the defendant's motive for the crime."
"Her motive for volunteering was a desire to help others."
Serving as or capable of initiating action; being a motive; providing motivation.
'məʊtɪv
Serving as or capable of initiating action.
The artist focused on the motive elements of his work.
💡 Simply: Think of it like this: A motive pattern in a design is the main shape or element that is repeated over and over to create the whole design. Just like how the 'motive' for a person's action serves as the core.
👶 For kids: A thing that is used to create something. Like, the motive of a drawing is the main shape or object used.
More Examples
The motive force behind the economic recovery remains uncertain.
The motive pattern in the fabric was floral.
How It's Used
"The repetitive, motive pattern in the wallpaper created a calming effect."
"The motive element of the design was the use of contrasting colors."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
hidden motive
A reason for doing something that is not immediately obvious or admitted.
"I suspected he had a hidden motive for offering to help me."
without motive
Having no apparent reason or justification.
"The act of violence appeared to be without motive."
From French motif, from Old French motif, from Latin motivus ('moving'), from motus, past participle of movere ('to move').
The word "motive" has been used in English since the late 16th century. Early usage often referred to moving forces or impulses.
Memory tip
Think of a "motor" that drives your actions – a motive!