motive

motive is on the Academic Word List.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA ^(key): /ˈməʊtɪv/
• (US) IPA ^(key): /ˈmoʊtɪv/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Noun

Singular motive

Plural motives

1. (countable) A motive is a reason to do something.
   • Synonym: motivation

   The man says he has no motive for killing his wife.

   What are the motives behind this change?

Related words

• motivate