motive

1 of 3

noun

mo·tive ˈmō-tiv

sense 2 is also

mō-ˈtēv

Synonyms of motive next

: something (such as a need or desire) that causes a person to act

Revenge was the murderer's motive.

: a recurrent phrase or figure that is developed through the course of a musical composition

: motif

the composition's recurring flute motive

motiveless

ˈmō-tiv-ləs

adjective

motivelessly adverb

motivic

mō-ˈtē-vik

adjective

motive

2 of 3

adjective

mo·tive ˈmō-tiv

: of or relating to motion or the causing of motion

motive energy

: moving or tending to move to action

motive

3 of 3

verb

mo·tive ˈmō-tiv

motived; motiving

transitive verb

: motivate

Choose the Right Synonym for motive

motive, impulse, incentive, inducement, spur, goad mean a stimulus to action.

motive implies an emotion or desire operating on the will and causing it to act.

a motive for the crime

impulse suggests a driving power arising from personal temperament or constitution.

buying on impulse

incentive applies to an external influence (such as an expected reward) inciting to action.

a bonus was offered as an incentive

inducement suggests a motive prompted by the deliberate enticements or allurements of another.

offered a watch as an inducement to subscribe

spur applies to a motive that stimulates the faculties or increases energy or ardor.

fear was a spur to action

goad suggests a motive that keeps one going against one's will or desire.

thought insecurity a goad to worker efficiency

Examples of motive in a Sentence

Noun Their motive in running away was to avoid being punished. I think he's guilty of the crime. He had the motive, the means, and the opportunity. She denied that her offer to help was based on selfish motives.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Finding the answers to these questions can help shed light on the perpetrator’s behavior and possible motive. —

Christian Mysliwiec, Fox News, 20 Apr. 2024 Their stories unravel a new narrative that interrogates the motives of the man pulling the strings, Dr. Philip Zimbardo, while exploring larger questions of human nature and the power of perspective. —

Jack Dunn, Variety, 18 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for motive

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'motive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French motif, motive, from motif, adjective, moving, from Medieval Latin motivus, from Latin motus, past participle of movēre to move

Adjective

Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French motif, from Medieval Latin motivus

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1657, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of motive was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Motive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motive. Accessed 3 May. 2024.

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Kids Definition

motive

1 of 2 noun

mo·tive ˈmōt-iv

sense 2 is also

mō-ˈtēv

: something (as a need or desire) that leads or influences a person to do something

their motive in running away was to avoid trouble

: motif

motive

2 of 2 adjective

mo·tive ˈmōt-iv

: of, relating to, or causing motion

motive power

Medical Definition

motive

noun

mo·tive ˈmōt-iv

: something (as a need or desire) that causes a person to act

Legal Definition

motive

noun

mo·tive

: something (as a need or desire) that causes a person to act

Note: Motive is distinguished from intent or mens rea. Although motive is not an element of a crime, evidence of motive can be introduced to help establish intent.

Etymology

Noun

Anglo-French motif, from Middle French motif adjective, moving, from Medieval Latin motivus, from Latin motus, past participle of movēre to move

Last Updated: 23 Apr 2024 - Updated example sentences

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motive

noun

adjective

verb

Synonyms

Examples of motive in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near motive

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

Legal Definition