Definition of motive
(Entry 1 of 3)
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
motive
adjectiveDefinition of motive (Entry 2 of 3)
1 : of or relating to motion or the causing of motion
motive energy
2 : moving or tending to move to action
motive
verbmotived; motiving
Definition of motive (Entry 3 of 3)
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Time Traveler for motive
The first known use of motive was in the 14th century
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