Meaning of motive in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Noun
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /ˈmoʊdɪv/

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  1. Noun

    motive

    Etymology

    late Middle English: from Old French motif (adjective used as a noun), from late Latin motivus, from movere‘to move’

    Definitions

    1. the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal

    Examples

    • « the reason for the action »
    • « that which gives purpose and direction to behavior »
    • « we did not understand his motivation »
    • « he acted with the best of motives »

    Derived terms

  2. 2. a theme that is elaborated on in a piece of music

Famous quotes

  • « Just because scientists have the knowledge to do it, the technology to do it, and some may even have a financial motive or other incentive to do it, does not make it right. »
    Nathan Deal
  • « In morals what begins in fear usually ends in wickedness in religion what begins in fear usually ends in fanaticism. Fear, either as a principle or a motive, is the beginning of all evil. »
    Anna Jameson
  • « He is the best sailor who can steer within fewest points of the wind, and exact a motive power out of the greatest obstacles. »
    Walter Scott
  • « We want deeper sincerity of motive, a greater courage in speech and earnestness in action. »
    Sarojini Naidu
  • « Do not ever say that the desire to 'do good' by force is a good motive. Neither power-lust nor stupidity are good motives. »
    Ayn Rand

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