motive
An incentive to act in a particular way; a reason or emotion that makes one want to do something; anything that prompts a choice of action.
Noun 4 meanings
An incentive to act in a particular way; a reason or emotion that makes one want to do something; anything that prompts a choice of action.
Something which causes someone to want to commit a crime; a reason for criminal behaviour.
“What would his motive be for burning down the cottage?”
A party, gathering, or get-together.
One's plans for the day or night.
“What's the motive for tonight, lads?”
Verb 1 meaning
To prompt or incite by a motive or motives; to move.
Adjective 2 meanings
Causing motion; having power to move, or tending to move
“a motive argument”
Relating to motion and/or to its cause
Etymology
From Middle English motif, from Anglo-Norman motif, Middle French motif, and their source, Late Latin motivum (“motive, moving cause”), neuter of motivus.
Similar and opposite words
MOTIVE at a glance
MOTIVE has 6 letters and scores 11 points in Scrabble (M 3 + O 1 + T 1 + I 1 + V 4 + E 1) and 13 in Words With Friends, before board bonuses. It ranks #7,698 by how often it appears in everyday English. It is valid in ENABLE, NWL2023, Collins/SOWPODS.
Rhymes with motive
All rhymesOne letter away
- VOTIVE12
- MOTILE8
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