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motive

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Motive is defined as a reason for doing something.

(noun)

An example of a motive is the reason for committing a crime.

The definition of motive is causing action.

(adjective)

An example of motive used as an adjective is the phrase a "motive idea" which means an idea that inspires someone to act.

See motive in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

some inner drive, impulse, intention, etc. that causes a person to do something or act in a certain way; incentive; goal
motif (sense )

Origin: ME motif < OFr motif (adj.) < ML motivus, moving < L motus, pp. of movere, to move

adjective

of, causing, or tending to cause motion
Rare of, or having the nature of, a motive or motives

Origin: ML motivus

transitive verb motived, motiving

to supply a motive for; motivate

Related Forms:

motiveless adjective

moving, of motion: automotive

Origin: < motive ()

See motive in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

An emotion, desire, physiological need, or similar impulse that acts as an incitement to action.
(mōˈtĭv, mō-tēvˈ) A motif in art, literature, or music.

adjective

Causing or able to cause motion: motive power.
Impelling to action: motive pleas.
Of or constituting an incitement to action.

transitive verb mo·tived, mo·tiv·ing, mo·tives

To motivate.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English motif, motive

Origin: , from Old French motif

Origin: , from Late Latin mōtīvus, of motion

Origin: , from Latin mōtus

Origin: , past participle of movēre, to move; see meuə- in Indo-European roots

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