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MOTIVE

(noun, adj.sat, verb, adj.)

Definitions

There are 8 meanings of the word Motive.

How to pronounce motive:

US

Motive - as a noun

The psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior

Example: "We did not understand his motivation"

Synonyms (Exact Relations)
motivationneed
Hypernyms (Closely Related)
psychological feature
Hyponyms (Broadly Related)

A theme that is repeated or elaborated in a piece of music

Synonyms (Exact Relations)
motif
Hypernyms (Closely Related)
ideamelodic thememusical themetheme
Hyponyms (Broadly Related)

A design or figure that consists of recurring shapes or colors, as in architecture or decoration

Synonyms (Exact Relations)
motif

Motive - as an adjective satellite

Causing or able to cause motion

Example: "A motive force"

Synonyms (Exact Relations)
motor

Impelling to action

Example: "It may well be that ethical language has primarily a motivative function"

Synonyms (Exact Relations)
motivatingmotivative

Motive - as a verb

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

Motive - as an adjective

Causing motion; having power to move, or tending to move

Example: "A motive argument"

Relating to motion and/or to its cause

Example Sentences

"He had a clear motive for committing the crime."
"The detective was trying to determine the suspect's motive."
"She couldn't understand his motive for breaking up with her."
"The politician's motive for supporting the bill was purely selfish."
"The newspaper article questioned the motives behind the CEO's decision."
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Word Game Points

Is MOTIVE a valid Scrabble word?
Yes, motive is valid for both Scrabble US and EU
US/CA Valid UK/EU Valid

MOTIVE has a SCRABBLE points total of 11.

Is MOTIVE a valid Words With Friends word?
Yes, motive is valid for Words With Friends
Valid Word
MOTIVE has a WORDS WITH FRIENDS points total of 13.

Is MOTIVE a valid WordFeud word?
Yes, motive is valid for WordFeud
Valid Word
MOTIVE has a WORDFEUD points total of 11.

A-Z Proximities

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