n. 1 inducement, incentive, motivation, stimulus, motivating force, stimulation, incitement, influence, cause, reason, rationale, grounds; attraction, lure, enticement, goad, spur, urge, prod It is thought that jealousy was his motive for murder 2 purpose, aim, intention, intent, object, objective, goal, end, arrière pensée (= 'hidden motive'); ambition, desire; Colloq angle I asked the chairman what his motive was in trying to expand the company
adj. 3 driving, impelling, propelling, propulsive, moving, kinetic, activating, operative The motive power used in the ultra-light aircraft is provided entirely by the pilot's pedalling