The meaning of MOTIVE is something (such as a need or desire) that causes a person to act. How to use motive in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Motive.

MOTIVE definition: 1. a reason for doing something: 2. (of power or force) causing movement or action 3. a reason for…. Learn more.

Motive is, literally, something that moves a person; an inducement, something that leads a person on; an incentive, something that inspires a person.

Your reason for doing something is your motive. Your motive to go to school every day is to learn. Or maybe the thought of your parents' anger and a run-in with the truant officer is motive enough.

MOTIVE definition: the reason for a certain course of action, whether conscious or unconscious | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples

is used to talk about finding or understanding reasons for actions, or trying to explain why it is a good idea to do something.

He had the motive, the means, and the opportunity. She denied that her offer to help was based on selfish motives. No one knows the main/real/underlying motive for his behavior.

There are 13 meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun motive, eight of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Some inner drive, impulse, intention, etc. that causes a person to do something or act in a certain way; incentive; goal. Motif. A motif in art, literature, or music. (music) A motif; a theme or …

1. something that causes a person to act in a certain way, do a certain thing, etc.; incentive. 2. the goal or object of a person's actions: Her motive was revenge. 3. motif (def. 1). 4. causing or tending to cause motion. 5. pertaining to motion. 6. prompting to action. 7. constituting a motive or motives. 8. motivate.