motive

  • 21motive — mo|tive1 [ˈməutıv US ˈmou ] n [Date: 1500 1600; : Old French; Origin: motif, from motif moving ; MOTIVE2] 1.) the reason that makes someone do something, especially when this reason is kept hidden ▪ What do you suppose the killer s motive was?… …

    Dictionary of contemporary English

  • 22motive — mo|tive1 [ moutıv ] noun count ** the reason you do something: Her motive was a genuine desire to improve conditions. motive for: The motive for the attack is still unknown. a. used in a negative way for showing that someone s real reasons for… …

    Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • 23motive — I UK [ˈməʊtɪv] / US [ˈmoʊtɪv] noun [countable] Word forms motive : singular motive plural motives ** a) the reason that you do something Her motive was a genuine desire to improve conditions. motive for: The motive for the attack is still unknown …

    English dictionary

  • 24motive — motiveless, adj. motivelessly, adv. motivelessness, n. /moh tiv/, n., adj., v., motived, motiving. n. 1. something that causes a person to act in a certain way, do a certain thing, etc.; incentive. 2. the goal or object of a person s actions: Her …

    Universalium

  • 25motive — mo•tive [[t]ˈmoʊ tɪv[/t]] n. adj. v. tived, tiv•ing 1) something that causes a person to act in a certain way, do a certain thing, etc.; incentive 2) the goal or object of a person s actions: Her motive was revenge[/ex] 3) motif 1) 4) causing or… …

    From formal English to slang

  • 26motive — 1. noun a) An incentive to act; a reason for doing something; anything that prompted a choice of action. What would his motive be for burning down the cottage? b) A motif; a theme or subject, especially one that is central to the work or often… …

    Wiktionary

  • 27motive — is., Fr. motivé Güdülemek anlamındaki motive etmek ve güdülenmek anlamındaki motive olmak birleşik fiillerinde geçer …

    Çağatay Osmanlı Sözlük

  • 28motive — [[t]mo͟ʊtɪv[/t]] motives N COUNT: oft N prep Your motive for doing something is your reason for doing it. Police have ruled out robbery as a motive for the killing. ...the motives and objectives of British foreign policy... The doctor s motive… …

    English dictionary

  • 29motive — /ˈmoʊtɪv / (say mohtiv) noun 1. something that prompts a person to act in a certain way or that determines volition; an incentive. 2. the goal or object of one s actions: his motive was revenge. 3. (in art, literature, and music) a motif.… …

  • 30motive — Cause or reason that moves the will and induces action. An idea, belief or emotion that impels or incites one to act in accordance with his state of mind or emotion. People v. Gibson, 56 C.A.3d 119, 128 Cal.Rptr. 302, 308. The circumstance… …

    Black's law dictionary