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motive

The correct spelling is motive.

How to pronounce motive

/ˈməʊtɪv/
noun

IPA: /ˈməʊtɪv/

Say it like: Mot-ive

The correct spelling is motive. An idea or communication that makes one want to act, especially from spiritual sources; a divine prompting. For example: "No-one could understand why she had hidden the shovel; her motives were obscure at best."

Usage Examples

No-one could understand why she had hidden the shovel; her motives were obscure at best.

If you listen carefully, you can hear the flutes mimicking the cello motive.

a motive argument

Meanings

noun

  1. 1.An idea or communication that makes one want to act, especially from spiritual sources; a divine prompting.
  2. 2.An incentive to act in a particular way; a reason or emotion that makes one want to do something; anything that prompts a choice of action.
  3. 3.A limb or other bodily organ that can move.
  4. 4.Something which causes someone to want to commit a crime; a reason for criminal behaviour.
  5. 5.A motif.

verb

  1. 1.To prompt or incite by a motive or motives; to move.

adjective

  1. 1.Causing motion; having power to move, or tending to move
  2. 2.Relating to motion and/or to its cause

Similar words

Words related in meaning — check their spelling too.

View synonyms & usage examples