motive

[ˈməʊtɪv]

motive Definition

• 1. a reason for doing something, especially one that is hidden or not obvious
• 2. a 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

Synonyms for motive

• reason
• purpose
• intention
• rationale
• stimulus

Antonyms for motive

• result
• outcome
• consequence

Idioms Using motive

• with motive

  with a clear reason or purpose

  Example

  He acted with motive when he decided to start his own business.

• motive behind the action

  the reason or purpose for doing something

  Example

  The motive behind her decision to quit her job was to spend more time with her family.

• motive for the crime

  the reason or purpose for committing a crime

  Example

  The detectives were trying to determine the motive for the crime.

Phrases with motive

• ulterior motive

  a hidden reason for doing something

  Example

  I'm sure he has an ulterior motive for offering to help us.

• motive power

  the power or energy used to move a machine or vehicle

  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'

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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.