motive
B2Formal, semi-formal; academic, legal, literary, business, everyday.
Definition
Meaning
A reason or cause for doing something, especially one arising from an emotional or psychological need.
1. In art, music, or literature: a recurring theme, pattern, or figure that forms a distinctive element of the work. 2. In criminal law: a factor that prompts a person to commit an offence.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies an inner drive or underlying psychological reason. In everyday use, it often suggests a reason for a specific act, especially one that is hidden or questionable. In artistic contexts, it is a neutral term for a recurrent idea.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical differences. Spelling of related adjective/adverb 'motivational' is consistent. The pronunciation differs (see IPA).
Connotations
Similar in both varieties, with slight association to detective/crime genres ('ulterior motive').
Frequency
Equally common and used in identical contexts in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
motive for (doing) somethingmotive behind somethingwith the motive of (doing) somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “ulterior motive”
- “mixed motives”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Analysing the profit motive of a corporation; examining the motives behind a takeover bid.
Academic
Discussing the author's primary motive for writing the novel; studying the psychological motives for social behaviour.
Everyday
Asking about someone's motive for moving house; questioning the motive behind a friend's unexpected gift.
Technical
In music: identifying a recurring melodic motive; in law: establishing motive as part of proving criminal intent.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a verb. The verb is 'motivate'.
American English
- Not applicable as a verb. The verb is 'motivate'.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb. The related adverb is 'motivationally'.
- He acted motive-lessly.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb. The related adverb is 'motivationally'.
- The crime seemed motiveless.
adjective
British English
- The police could not establish a motive force for the crime.
- She provided the motive power behind the campaign.
American English
- The detectives searched for a motive link between the two robberies.
- Engine failure was the motive cause of the crash.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- His main motive was to help his friend.
- I don't understand her motive for leaving.
- The police are trying to find a motive for the crime.
- She questioned his real motives for being so kind.
- Profit was the prime motive behind the company's decision to relocate.
- The prosecutor argued that jealousy provided a powerful motive for the attack.
- Critics have deconstructed the novel, revealing the author's complex ideological motives.
- The recurring visual motive of shattered glass mirrors the protagonist's fractured psyche.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MOTIVE: My Own True Inner Value Explains (why I do things).
Conceptual Metaphor
MOTIVE IS A HIDDEN ENGINE / MOTIVE IS A FORCE FROM WITHIN
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation with 'мотив' in all contexts. In English, 'motive' is more commonly used for a reason behind an action, while Russian 'мотив' heavily leans towards music/art theme. For artistic theme, English prefers 'motif' /moʊˈtiːf/.
- The adjective 'motivational' relates to giving motivation, not directly 'мотивационный' in all business contexts. 'Motivating' might be more natural.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'motive' (reason) with 'motif' (decorative design/theme). Incorrect: 'The wallpaper had a beautiful floral motive.' Correct: '...floral motif.'
- Using 'motive' as a verb (to motivate). Incorrect: 'He tried to motive his team.' Correct: 'He tried to motivate his team.'
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'motive' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are closely related but not identical. 'Motive' is often a specific reason for a specific action (often singular). 'Motivation' is a more general, ongoing drive or enthusiasm (e.g., job motivation). You have a 'motive' for lying once, but you need 'motivation' to study every day.
No. The verb form is 'to motivate'. Using 'motive' as a verb (e.g., 'to motive someone') is incorrect.
A 'motive' is a reason for action. A 'motif' (pronounced /moʊˈtiːf/) is a recurring element or theme in art, music, or literature. A killer has a motive; a symphony has a musical motif.
Not always, but it is predominantly used to imply a hidden, often selfish or dishonest reason. It carries a suspicious or negative connotation in most contexts.