Motive (Noun)
Meaning 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; "we did not understand his motivation"; "he acted with the best of motives".
Classification
Unique beginner for nouns.
Examples
- Her motive for helping the poor was genuine, as evidenced by her lifelong commitment to charitable causes.
- The police struggled to identify the killer's motive in the gruesome murder.
- After winning the lottery, her primary motive for traveling was to see the world without worrying about money.
- Researchers found that a key motive for consumers' willingness to pay a premium for organic food was the perception of its health benefits.
- A psychological profile revealed that his motive for setting the fire was not for personal gain but for revenge.
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Hypernyms
Hyponyms
Related Words
Meaning 2
A design or figure that consists of recurring shapes or colors, as in architecture or decoration.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The intricate motive of interlocking flowers and vines was a hallmark of the Art Nouveau style.
- The architect chose a geometric motive of repeating triangles to add visual interest to the building's facade.
- The motive of waves and ripples was used throughout the foyer, from the carpet to the wallpaper.
- The Moorish palace was famous for its intricate motive of arches and columns.
- The textile designer used a motive of stylized leaves and branches to create a unique and eye-catching pattern.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Meaning 3
A theme that is repeated or elaborated in a piece of music.
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The composer wove a recurring motive throughout the symphony, creating a sense of unity and cohesion.
- The violin soloist's rendition of the melody highlighted the intricate motive that underpinned the entire concerto.
- The musical motive was introduced in the first movement and reappeared in various guises throughout the sonata.
- The composer's use of a repetitive motive created a sense of tension and anticipation in the listener.
- The leitmotif, a recurring motive associated with a particular character, was a hallmark of the composer's operatic style.