What does motive mean?
A motive is the reason, purpose, or incentive behind an action. It explains why someone did something, rather than simply describing what happened: for example, fear may be a person's motive for hiding, while compassion may be a motive for helping. In discussions of crime, law, politics, and personal behaviour, the word often suggests a hidden or underlying reason that may be inferred rather than openly stated. Motive should not be confused with motivation, which is more often the drive that encourages action. The related adjective is rare but is used in expressions such as “motive power,” meaning force that produces motion. The word comes through Old French from Latin motivus, a form associated with moving or causing movement.
A reason, purpose, or incentive that causes someone to act in a particular way.
"The motive for the decision was to reduce costs without compromising quality."
Often used when discussing the underlying reason for a person's conduct, especially in legal, political, or formal contexts.
Causing or tending to cause motion.
"The machine was designed to provide motive power for the smaller pumps."
Rare in general use and chiefly found in technical or established phrases involving motive power.
The plural is used for the reasons or purposes behind actions.
"The investigators considered several possible motives for the disappearance."
A motive is the reason behind the action, while a motive force is the physical push that sets something in motion.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does motive come from?
The English word entered from Old French motiv, derived from Latin motivus, meaning “causing motion” or “moving.” Latin motivus was connected with movere, “to move,” which is also the source of related English words such as motion, motivation, and emotion. In English, the noun came to mean the cause or reason prompting an action, while the rare adjective retained the more literal sense connected with producing movement.
Related word forms
How motive is actually used
As a noun, motive usually refers to the reason or purpose behind an intentional action and is common in formal and legal contexts. The adjective is uncommon and is encountered especially in the phrase “motive power.”
Easily confused with motive
A motive is the reason or purpose behind an action, whereas motivation is the drive or incentive that encourages someone to act.