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motive in Chinese

motive in Chinese is 理由, 動機, 原因 — motive means a reason that drives someone to act, especially in a suspicious or criminal context.

motive in Chinese

理由
noun
Pronounced: lǐ yóu
動機
noun
Pronounced: dòng jī
(law) Something which causes someone to want to commit a crime; a reason for criminal behaviour. [from 18th c.]
原因
noun
Pronounced: yuán yīn
(British) A party, gathering, or get-together.

What does "motive" mean?

  1. noun A reason that drives someone to act, especially in a suspicious or criminal context.
    "The detective asked what motive anyone could have for taking the painting."
  2. adj Causing or producing movement.
    "A falling weight was the motive power for the old clock."
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motive in a sentence

  • The detective asked what motive anyone could have for taking the painting.
  • Police still haven't established a motive for the break-in.
  • A falling weight was the motive power for the old clock.
  • The engine supplies the motive energy that turns the wheels.

Similar words in Chinese

Common Chinese translations

Frequently asked questions

What is "motive" in Chinese?
"motive" in Chinese is 理由, 動機, 原因. motive means: A reason that drives someone to act, especially in a suspicious or criminal context.
How do you pronounce 理由?
"motive" in Chinese is 理由, pronounced "lǐ yóu".
How do you use "motive" in a sentence?
Example: "The detective asked what motive anyone could have for taking the painting." In Chinese, "motive" is 理由, 動機, 原因.
Are there other ways to say "motive" in Chinese?
Yes — Chinese has 3 translations listed for "motive": 理由, 動機, 原因.
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Translations from WikDict, CC BY-SA · example sentences from Tatoeba, CC BY 2.0 FR.