motive
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for motive, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A reason that drives someone to act, especially in a suspicious or criminal context.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use motive
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman motif, from Late Latin motivum ("a moving cause").
Full origin of motive →Frequently asked questions
What does “motive” mean?
The word “motive” means a reason that drives someone to act, especially in a suspicious or criminal context. In plain terms, the underlying reason behind an action.
How do you pronounce “motive”?
“Motive” is pronounced MOH-tihv (/ˈmoʊtɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “motive” in a sentence?
Here is “motive” used in a sentence: “Police still haven't established a motive for the break-in.”
What part of speech is “motive”?
Depending on how it is used, “motive” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “motive” come from?
The word “motive” comes from Late Latin. From Anglo-Norman motif, from Late Latin motivum ("a moving cause").
Is “motive” a common word?
“Motive” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “motive” have?
“Motive” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a reason that drives someone to act, especially in a suspicious or criminal context.
What is the difference between a motive and a motivation?
A motive is the specific reason behind a particular action, often used in legal or criminal contexts, such as a motive for a crime. Motivation is broader and refers to the general drive or willingness to do something, especially over time.
What is the difference between 'motive' and 'motif'?
A motive is a reason that drives someone to act, while a motif is a recurring theme, idea, or design element in art, music, or literature. The two words are often confused because they sound similar, but they are unrelated in meaning.
What is the difference between a motive and a reason?
A reason is any explanation for why something happens, while a motive specifically refers to the underlying drive that causes a person to act, often with a hint of suspicion. In everyday use a motive suggests personal or hidden intent, whereas a reason can be neutral or purely factual.
What preposition is used with 'motive'?
Motive is most often followed by 'for' or 'behind', as in a motive for the attack or the motive behind the decision. These prepositions link the motive to the action it explains.