motive Definition
- 1a reason for doing something, especially one that is hidden or not obvious
- 2a motif in art, literature, or music
Using motive: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "motive" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The police are still trying to determine the motive behind the crime.
Example
She had no motive for lying.
Example
The motive behind his generosity was finally revealed.
Example
The painting's central motive is a woman holding a bouquet of flowers.
motive Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using motive
Example
He acted with motive when he decided to start his own business.
Example
The motive behind her decision to quit her job was to spend more time with her family.
Example
The detectives were trying to determine the motive for the crime.
Phrases with motive
Example
I'm sure he has an ulterior motive for offering to help us.
Example
The steam engine was the first form of motive power used in transportation.
motive force
the force that causes an object to move or change its motion
Example
Gravity is the motive force that keeps planets in orbit around the sun.
Origins of motive
from Old French 'motif', meaning 'a theme or subject'
Summary: motive in Brief
The term 'motive' [ˈməʊtɪv] refers to a reason or purpose for doing something, often hidden or not obvious. It can also refer to a motif in art, literature, or music. Examples include 'The police are still trying to determine the motive behind the crime.' and 'The painting's central motive is a woman holding a bouquet of flowers.' Phrases like 'ulterior motive' denote hidden reasons, while 'motive power' and 'motive force' refer to energy sources.
