What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
motive
Example
The detective was trying to determine the motive behind the crime. [motive: noun]
Example
She had no motive to lie about what happened. [motive: noun]
reason
Example
The reason for the delay was due to traffic. [reason: noun]
Example
I can't see any reason why we shouldn't go on vacation. [reason: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Reason is more commonly used than motive in everyday language. Reason is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while motive is less common and often associated with criminal investigations or analyzing human behavior.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between motive and reason?
Both motive and reason can be used in formal and informal contexts, but reason is generally considered more formal and objective than motive, which can have negative connotations and be more subjective in nature.
