n.
Pronunciation: ' m ō -tiv, 2 is also m ō - ' t ē v
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French motif, motive, from motif, adjective, moving, from Medieval Latin motivus, from Latin motus, past participle of mov ē re to move
Date: 15th century
1 : something (as a need or desire) that causes a person to act
2 : a recurrent phrase or figure that is developed through the course of a musical composition
3 : MOTIF
– mo · tive · less \ -l ə s \ adjective
– mo · tive · less · ly adverb
– mo · ti · vic \ m ō - ' t ē -vik \ adjective
synonyms MOTIVE , IMPULSE , INCENTIVE , INDUCEMENT , SPUR , GOAD mean a stimulus to action. MOTIVE implies an emotion or desire operating on the will and causing it to act <a motive for the crime>. IMPULSE suggests a driving power arising from personal temperament or constitution <buying on impulse >. INCENTIVE applies to an external influence (as an expected reward) inciting to action <a bonus was offered as an incentive >. INDUCEMENT suggests a motive prompted by the deliberate enticements or allurements of another <offered a watch as an inducement to subscribe>. SPUR applies to a motive that stimulates the faculties or increases energy or ardor <fear was a spur to action>. GOAD suggests a motive that keeps one going against one's will or desire <thought insecurity a goad to worker efficiency>.