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Noun: motive  mow-tiv
  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 behaviour
    "he acted with the best of motives";
    - motivation, need
     
  2. A theme that is repeated or elaborated in a piece of music
    - motif
     
  3. A design or figure that consists of recurring shapes or colours, as in architecture or decoration
    - motif
Adjective: motive  mow-tiv
  1. Causing or able to cause motion
    "a motive force"; "motive power";
    - motor
     
  2. Impelling to action
    "motive pleas";
    - motivative, motivating

Derived forms: motives

See also: causative

Type of: design, figure, idea, melodic theme, musical theme, pattern, psychological feature, theme

Encyclopedia: Motive, Inc