Motive Very Common

Origin: Latin suffix -ive

Motive has 8 different meanings across 2 categories:

Definitions

Noun

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

"we did not understand his motivation"

"he acted with the best of motives"

motivation motive need

a theme that is repeated or elaborated in a piece of music

"The composer developed the entire symphony around a simple four-note motive that appeared in every movement."

motif motive

a design or figure that consists of recurring shapes or colors, as in architecture or decoration

"The architect chose an intricate floral motive for the ceiling tiles to add warmth to the stone hall."

motif motive

An idea or communication that makes one want to act, especially from spiritual sources; a divine prompting.

"After years of doubt, she felt a sudden motive to forgive her brother that seemed to come directly from God's heart."

Verb

To prompt or incite by a motive or motives; to move.

"The scandal served as a powerful motive that pushed him to finally leave his corrupt company."

Adjective

causing or able to cause motion

"a motive force"

"motive power"

"motor energy"

motive motor

impelling to action

"it may well be that ethical language has primarily a motivative function"

"motive pleas"

"motivating arguments"

motivative motive motivating

Causing motion; having power to move, or tending to move

"The sudden gust of wind had enough motive force to tear the loose roof shingles right off the house."

Example Sentences

"we did not understand his motivation" noun

"he acted with the best of motives" noun

"a motive force" adjective

"motive power" adjective

"motor energy" adjective

"it may well be that ethical language has primarily a motivative function" adjective

"motive pleas" adjective

"motivating arguments" adjective