Motives Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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motives
[หmษสtษชvz ]
Definitions
psychology
Reasons for behaving in a certain way; the general desire or willingness of someone to do something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| motives |
Usually used to describe the inner reasons why someone does something, often explored in psychology or criminal investigations.
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| reasons |
Used to describe the explanations or justifications for why something happens or why someone does something, can be casual or formal.
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| purposes |
Refers to the intended goals or objectives behind an action or event, often used in a broader and more deliberate sense.
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| drives |
Primarily used to describe the strong inner forces that compel someone to act, often linked with instincts or biological needs.
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Examples of usage
- His motives for volunteering at the shelter were purely altruistic.
- She couldn't understand his motives for leaving the company.
literature
The underlying intentions or goals of a character's actions in a literary work.
Synonyms
intentions, objectives, rationales.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| motives |
Use when referring to the underlying reasons that drive someone's actions, often with a connotation of hidden or complex reasons.
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| intentions |
Best used when talking about someone's plans or aims, often implying a future course of action. It can have both positive and neutral connotations.
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| objectives |
Useful for talking about specific, measurable goals or targets, often in a professional, academic, or organizational setting.
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| rationales |
Appropriate when discussing the logical reasoning or explanation behind decisions, policies, or beliefs.
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Examples of usage
- The detective's true motives were revealed in the final chapter of the novel.
- The antagonist's motives were shrouded in mystery until the climax of the play.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Understanding motives helps psychologists figure out why people behave the way they do, which can lead to better therapy methods.
- Motives can be conscious (you know them) or unconscious (you don't know them), affecting our decisions without us realizing it.
- Maslow's hierarchy of needs explains that motives can be influenced by basic needs such as food, safety, and love.
Philosophy
- Philosophers have long debated whether humans are driven by self-interest or altruistic motives, a key theme in ethics.
- Immanuel Kant proposed that only those actions motivated by a sense of duty have true moral worth, separating good motives from selfish ones.
Pop Culture
- In storytelling, characters' motives often create conflict or resolution, keeping the audience engaged and invested.
- Movies and books frequently use motives to explain unexpected twistsโseeing what drives a character can completely change their actions.
Sociology
- Social motives may include the desire for acceptance or belonging, fundamentally shaping group behavior in societies.
- Cultural values and norms can influence individual motives, altering how people prioritize their actions depending on societal expectations.
Literature
- Great literary works often explore deep personal motives and their consequences, revealing character depth and moral dilemmas.
- Authors sometimes leave characters' motives ambiguous, encouraging readers to make their interpretations, adding richness to the text.
Origin of 'motives'
The word 'motives' originated from the Latin word 'motivus', meaning 'moving'. In psychology, motives refer to the reasons behind a person's actions or behavior. The concept of motives has been studied extensively by psychologists and is crucial in understanding human behavior and motivation. In literature, motives are essential for character development and plot progression, adding depth and complexity to the storytelling. The term 'motives' is widely used in various fields to explain the driving forces behind actions, decisions, and creativity.
See also: motivate, motivated, motivation.