First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1motive
noun mo·tive \ˈmō-tiv, 2 is also mō-ˈtēv\
: a reason for doing something
Full Definition of MOTIVE
1
: something (as a need or desire) that causes a person to act
2
: a recurrent phrase or figure that is developed through the course of a musical composition
3
: motif
— mo·tive·less \-ləs\ adjective
— mo·tive·less·ly adverb
— mo·ti·vic \mō-ˈtē-vik\ adjective
See motive defined for English-language learners
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Origin of MOTIVE
Middle English, from Anglo-French motif, motive, from motif, adjective, moving, from Medieval Latin motivus, from Latin motus, past participle of movēre to move
Synonym Discussion of 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 (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>.
Other Psychology Terms
Rhymes with MOTIVE
2motive
adjective mo·tive \ˈmō-tiv\
: of, relating to, or causing motion
Full Definition of MOTIVE
1
: of or relating to motion or the causing of motion <motive energy>
2
: moving or tending to move to action
See motive defined for English-language learners
Origin of MOTIVE
Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French motif, from Medieval Latin motivus
First Known Use: 14th century
3motive
verb mo·tive \ˈmō-tiv\
mo·tivedmo·tiv·ing
MOTIVELESS Defined for Kids
1motive
noun mo·tive \ˈmō-tiv\
Definition of MOTIVE for Kids
: a reason for doing something
2motive
adjective
Definition of MOTIVE for Kids
: causing motion <motive power>
Medical Dictionary
motive
noun mo·tive \ˈmōt-iv\
Medical Definition of MOTIVE
: something (as a need or desire) that causes a person to act
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