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Motive: meaning, definitions and examples

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motive

 

[ˈmoʊtɪv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in psychology

A reason for doing something, especially one that is hidden or not obvious.

Synonyms

incentive, purpose, reason.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
motive

Motive is often used to describe the internal drive or reason behind someone’s actions in contexts like crime, psychology, or behavior analysis.

  • The detective was trying to understand the killer's motive.
  • His motive for working so hard was to impress his boss.
reason

Reason denotes the logical explanation or cause behind something and can be used in various everyday situations.

  • The reason he missed the meeting was because of traffic.
  • What's the reason for your sudden change of plans?
purpose

Purpose refers to the broader goal or intended outcome behind an action or plan. It is often used in personal development, business planning, and goal setting.

  • Her purpose in life is to help others.
  • The team's purpose is to develop new software solutions.
incentive

Incentive is used when talking about external rewards or benefits that encourage someone to do something, commonly in business, education, or economics.

  • The company offers financial incentives to employees who meet their targets.
  • Students are given incentives to complete their homework on time.

Examples of usage

  • She had a strong motive for helping him.
  • The police are trying to establish a motive for the crime.
Context #2 | Noun

in art and literature

The reason why a character behaves in a certain way or why events happen in a particular order in a story.

Synonyms

intention, rationale, reason.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
motive

Motive is typically used to describe the underlying factor or impulse that drives someone to commit an action, usually in a legal or investigative context.

  • The detective is still trying to determine the motive behind the crime
  • Her motive for volunteering was to help those in need
reason

Reason is a broad term used to indicate the cause or explanation for something, applicable in both everyday and formal contexts.

  • The reason for the delay was a traffic jam
  • Can you give me a reason for your sudden decision to quit?
intention

Intention refers to the purpose or plan behind an action, often used in everyday situations to indicate what someone plans or means to do.

  • My intention is to finish the project by the end of the week
  • He had good intentions when he decided to donate to charity
rationale

Rationale is used to explain the logical reasons or justification behind a particular decision or action, often found in formal or academic settings.

  • The rationale for the new policy was to increase efficiency
  • She provided a clear rationale for her choice of research topic

Examples of usage

  • The character's motive for committing the crime was jealousy.
  • The author's motive for writing the novel was to raise awareness about social issues.
Context #3 | Adjective

formal

Causing or being the reason for something to happen.

Synonyms

driving, inspiring, motivating.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
motive

Use 'motive' when referring to the reason or purpose behind someone's actions, often in legal or criminal contexts. It can sometimes carry a slightly negative or neutral connotation.

  • The detective asked the suspect about his motive for committing the crime.
  • Her motive for volunteering was to gain experience in the medical field.
driving

Use 'driving' when referring to a powerful force or influence that pushes someone to do something. It can be used in both positive and neutral contexts.

  • Her driving ambition is to become the CEO of the company.
  • The driving factor behind the success of the project was effective teamwork.
motivating

Use 'motivating' when talking about something that provides someone with a reason to act or behave in a certain way, usually in a positive sense. It's often used in contexts related to self-improvement or encouragement.

  • His speech was very motivating and made everyone want to work harder.
  • The coach's motivating words helped the team to win the championship.
inspiring

Use 'inspiring' when describing something that fills someone with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially something creative or positive.

  • The story of his journey from poverty to success is truly inspiring.
  • The teacher's passion for the subject was inspiring to all her students.

Examples of usage

  • The motive force behind the change in policy was public opinion.
  • She had a motive desire to succeed.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'motive' comes from the Latin word 'motivus,' which means 'moving' or 'causing motion.'
  • It has been used in English since the late 14th century to describe reasons behind actions.
  • In legal terms, it often relates to the reason behind a crime or act.

Psychology

  • Motives can be intrinsic, meaning they come from within, like personal values and beliefs.
  • Extrinsic motives are influenced by outside factors, such as rewards or social recognition.
  • Understanding motives is crucial in behavior studies, helping to explain why people make certain choices.

Literature

  • Motive plays a key role in character development, driving the plot and revealing deeper themes.
  • In mystery novels, uncovering a character's motive is essential to solving the crime.
  • Classic literature often explores complex human motives, showcasing the intricacies of human nature.

Pop Culture

  • Many famous movies and TV shows revolve around characters' motives, creating suspense and intrigue.
  • Detective stories often feature motives as critical clues in solving a case, showcasing the importance of understanding human behavior.
  • Reality TV often exploits motives, pushing contestants to act in ways that generate drama for entertainment.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers have debated over the nature of motives, questioning whether they are inherently good or bad.
  • Kant believed that moral actions should be guided by duty rather than personal motive.
  • The study of motives influences ethics, determining the rationale behind moral choices and actions.

Translations

Translations of the word "motive" in other languages:

🇵🇹 motivo

🇮🇳 प्रेरणा

🇩🇪 Motiv

🇮🇩 motif

🇺🇦 мотив

🇵🇱 motyw

🇯🇵 動機 (どうき)

🇫🇷 motif

🇪🇸 motivo

🇹🇷 güdü

🇰🇷 동기 (동기)

🇸🇦 دافع

🇨🇿 motiv

🇸🇰 motív

🇨🇳 动机 (dòngjī)

🇸🇮 motiv

🇮🇸 hvöt

🇰🇿 мотив

🇬🇪 მოტივი

🇦🇿 motiv

🇲🇽 motivo

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,455, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.