I. ˈmō-tiv, 2 is also mō-ˈtēv noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French motif, motive, from motif, adjective, moving, from Medieval Latin motivus, from Latin motus, past participle of movēre 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 -ləs adjective
• mo·tive·less·ly adverb
• mo·ti·vic mō-ˈtē-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
II. ˈmō-tiv adjective
Etymology: Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French motif, from Medieval Latin motivus
Date: 1502
1. : moving or tending to move to action
2. : of or relating to motion or the causing of motion
motive energy
III. ˈmō-tiv transitive verb
( mo·tived ; mo·tiv·ing )
Date: circa 1650
: motivate