mo ti: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal to neutral
Quick answer
What does “mo ti” mean?
A reason for doing something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A reason for doing something.
An underlying purpose, desire, or goal that drives an action or behaviour; in the arts, a recurring theme or pattern; in music, a short distinctive melodic or rhythmic figure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Equally neutral/formal in both dialects.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in legal and journalistic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “mo ti” in a Sentence
motive for (doing) somethingmotive behind somethingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mo ti” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The motive power behind the machine was steam.
- She lacked a motive force to change her life.
American English
- The motive force for the rocket is chemical propulsion.
- He provided the motive energy for the project.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The profit motive is central to market economies.
Academic
The researcher analysed the protagonist's unconscious motives.
Everyday
What was his motive for calling so late?
Technical
In musicology, a leitmotif is a recurring musical motive.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mo ti”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mo ti”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mo ti”
- Using 'motivation' interchangeably (motivation is the general drive, a motive is a specific reason).
- Incorrect preposition: 'motive of' instead of 'motive for'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Motivation' is a more general psychological state of readiness or desire to act. A 'motive' is a specific, often identifiable reason for a particular action. You can have high motivation but a questionable motive.
Yes, but it is rare and formal, chiefly used in technical or literary contexts (e.g., 'motive force', 'motive power'). The adjective form 'motivational' is more common in everyday language.
Predominantly yes. It describes a secret reason, usually one that is selfish or dishonest, kept hidden because revealing it would be disadvantageous.
In general English, it's a reason for action. In music (and other arts), it's a short, recurring, and recognizable melodic, rhythmic, or harmonic pattern (leitmotif) that represents a person, place, idea, or emotion.
A reason for doing something.
Mo ti is usually formal to neutral in register.
Mo ti: in British English it is pronounced /ˈməʊtɪv/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmoʊt̬ɪv/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “have an axe to grind”
- “have an ulterior motive”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of MOTIVE as 'MOTOr' and 'incentIVE' combined – the motor inside that gives incentive.
Conceptual Metaphor
MOTIVE IS A HIDDEN ENGINE.
Practice
Quiz
Which word is a NEAR synonym for 'motive' in a legal context?