Motive: meaning, definitions and examples
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motive
[ ˈmoʊtɪv ]
in psychology
A reason for doing something, especially one that is hidden or not obvious.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
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.
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reason |
Reason denotes the logical explanation or cause behind something and can be used in various everyday situations.
|
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.
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incentive |
Incentive is used when talking about external rewards or benefits that encourage someone to do something, commonly in business, education, or economics.
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Examples of usage
- She had a strong motive for helping him.
- The police are trying to establish a motive for the crime.
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
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
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.
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reason |
Reason is a broad term used to indicate the cause or explanation for something, applicable in both everyday and formal contexts.
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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.
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rationale |
Rationale is used to explain the logical reasons or justification behind a particular decision or action, often found in formal or academic settings.
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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.
formal
Causing or being the reason for something to happen.
Synonyms
driving, inspiring, motivating.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
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.
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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.
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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.
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inspiring |
Use 'inspiring' when describing something that fills someone with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially something creative or positive.
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Examples of usage
- The motive force behind the change in policy was public opinion.
- She had a motive desire to succeed.
Translations
Translations of the word "motive" in other languages:
🇵🇹 motivo
- motivo
- motivação
🇮🇳 प्रेरणा
- उद्देश्य
- कारण
🇩🇪 Motiv
- Beweggrund
- Antrieb
🇮🇩 motif
- alasan
- dorongan
🇺🇦 мотив
- причина
- спонукання
🇵🇱 motyw
- przyczyna
- bodziec
🇯🇵 動機 (どうき)
- 理由 (りゆう)
- 原動力 (げんどうりょく)
🇫🇷 motif
- raison
- motivation
🇪🇸 motivo
- razón
- impulso
🇹🇷 güdü
- neden
- teşvik
🇰🇷 동기 (동기)
- 이유 (이유)
- 원동력 (원동력)
🇸🇦 دافع
- سبب
- حافز
🇨🇿 motiv
- důvod
- podnět
🇸🇰 motív
- dôvod
- podnet
🇨🇳 动机 (dòngjī)
- 理由 (lǐyóu)
- 动力 (dònglì)
🇸🇮 motiv
- razlog
- spodbuda
🇮🇸 hvöt
- ástæða
- hvatning
🇰🇿 мотив
- себеп
- ынталандыру
🇬🇪 მოტივი
- მიზეზი
- სტიმული
🇦🇿 motiv
- səbəb
- təkan
🇲🇽 motivo
- razón
- impulso
Etymology
The word 'motive' originated from the Latin word 'motivus', meaning 'moving' or 'impelling'. In the 14th century, it was adopted into Middle English from Old French. The concept of motive has been explored in various fields such as psychology, literature, and law, highlighting its significance in understanding human behavior and actions.
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.
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- 4452 submission
- 4453 fabric
- 4454 pursuit
- 4455 motive
- 4456 pipes
- 4457 reproduction
- 4458 talks
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