motive power: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical, Historical
Quick answer
What does “motive power” mean?
The power that causes movement or makes something work.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The power that causes movement or makes something work; the source or means of generating motion.
Any source of energy used to produce motion, such as an engine, electricity, animals, or steam. Figuratively, it can refer to a driving force behind an action, movement, or idea.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more common in British English, particularly in historical or railway contexts. American English may prefer 'locomotive power' or simply 'power' in equivalent engineering discussions.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term carries a technical or slightly dated formal tone. In British English, it may evoke 19th-century industry more strongly.
Frequency
Low frequency in general corpora, but a stable, recognized term in specific fields like engineering history, rail transport, and philosophy of technology.
Grammar
How to Use “motive power” in a Sentence
The {noun} served as the motive power for the {noun}.They needed a new source of motive power.{Noun} provided the motive power to {verb}.A shift in motive power from {noun} to {noun} occurred.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “motive power” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The waterwheel was the sole motive power for the mill.
- Early factories were often situated near rivers for their motive power.
- The railway company is investing in cleaner motive power.
American English
- The switch from steam to diesel motive power transformed the railroads.
- A reliable motive power was critical for the expansion of the factory.
- The debate centered on the most efficient motive power for the new fleet.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically: 'Innovation is the motive power of our growth strategy.'
Academic
Common in history of technology, economic history, and engineering texts: 'The transition from water to steam as the primary motive power revolutionized manufacturing.'
Everyday
Very rare. Replaced by simpler terms: 'What's the engine for this thing?' or 'What makes it go?'
Technical
Standard in engineering, especially rail and historical contexts: 'The locomotive's diesel-electric motive power system is highly efficient.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “motive power”
- Using 'motive' alone to mean 'power source'. ('The car's motive was electric.' – Incorrect). Confusing with 'motivation'. Treating it as a common synonym for 'engine' in casual speech.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Horsepower' is a unit of measurement for power. 'Motive power' is the source or means that generates that power (e.g., an engine that produces 150 horsepower).
Yes, historically. Oxen, horses, and even human laborers have been described as 'motive power' for tasks like ploughing or turning mill gears.
It is not common in everyday speech. It is primarily used in technical, historical, or formal writing where a precise, slightly traditional term is appropriate.
'Motive power' is a specific subset of 'power'. It refers explicitly to power used to create motion or drive machinery. 'Power' can be static (electrical power for lighting) or potential, while 'motive power' implies kinetic energy and work.
The power that causes movement or makes something work.
Motive power is usually formal, technical, historical in register.
Motive power: in British English it is pronounced /ˌməʊtɪv ˈpaʊə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmoʊt̬ɪv ˈpaʊɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The motive power behind the movement”
- “To furnish the motive power for change”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a LOCOMOTIVE (which contains 'motive'). A locomotive's POWER is its 'motive power' – the power that gives it motion.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS / MOVEMENTS ARE MACHINES (requiring a power source). E.g., 'Her passion was the motive power for the campaign.'
Practice
Quiz
In a metaphorical sense, 'motive power' can best be replaced by: