motive

1 of 3

noun

mo·​tive ˈmō-tiv 

sense 2 is also

mō-ˈtēv 

1

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

Revenge was the murderer's motive.

2

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

3

: 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 

1

: of or relating to motion or the causing of motion

motive energy

2

: moving or tending to move to action

motive

3 of 3

verb

mo·​tive ˈmō-tiv 

motived; motiving

transitive verb

: motivate

Synonyms

Noun

• matter
• theme
• topic
• motif
• question
• subject

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

Barbara Slavin perceives a motive in Khamenei's actions after the U.S. attack: Ordering only a symbolic response, then approving a ceasefire with Israel. —Steve Inskeep, NPR, 25 June 2025

What to do instead: Instead of dissecting their motives or childhood wounds, shift your attention to the actual impact their actions had on you, Brown says. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 24 June 2025

Adjective

The questions are about motive, comportment, and why he should be trusted after making such a mess of the governorship. —Eric Lach, New Yorker, 13 June 2025

Authorities have not yet revealed a motive or additional details of their investigation. —Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 4 June 2025

Verb

Doug Leone, Sequoia 2011: #11 | 2025: #7 With a knack for understanding people and what motives them, Doug Leone landed a sales job at Sun Microsystems right out of college. —Truebridge Capital, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025

Product philosophy, collaboration, and motive The technology has already been successfully implemented in select showcase stores and events across Brazil. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 14 Mar. 2025

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

Phrases Containing motive

• motive power
• profit motive
• ulterior motive

Rhymes for motive

• votive
• automotive
• locomotive
• electromotive
• emotive
• promotive

Kids Definition

motive

1 of 2 noun

mo·​tive ˈmōt-iv 

sense 2 is also

mō-ˈtēv 

1

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

their motive in running away was to avoid trouble

2

: 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