motive motive /ˈmoʊtɪv/

adjective

1. () Causing or able to cause motion  ( motor , motive )
   causing or able to cause motion
    A motive force
   a motive force
    Motive power
   motive power
    Motor energy
   motor energy
   
2. Impelling to action  ( motivative , motive , motivating )
   impelling to action
    It may well be that ethical language has primarily a motivative function
   it may well be that ethical language has primarily a motivative function
    Motive pleas
   motive pleas
    Motivating arguments
   motivating arguments
   

noun

1. () 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  ( motivation , need , motive )
   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
    We did not understand his motivation
   we did not understand his motivation
    He acted with the best of motives
   he acted with the best of motives
   
2. A design or figure that consists of recurring shapes or colors, as in architecture or decoration  ( motive , motif )
   a design or figure that consists of recurring shapes or colors, as in architecture or decoration
     The recurring motif in the artwork added depth and meaning.
   The recurring motif in the artwork added depth and meaning.
   
3. A theme that is repeated or elaborated in a piece of music  ( motive , motif )
   a theme that is repeated or elaborated in a piece of music