Was Does Motive Mean?

1 : something (such as a need or desire) that causes a person to act Revenge was the murderer's motive. 2 : a recurrent phrase or figure that is developed through the course of a musical composition. 3 : motif the composition's recurring flute motive.

What is motive example?

Motive is defined as a reason for doing something. An example of a motive is the reason for committing a crime. ... The definition of motive is causing action. An example of motive used as an adjective is the phrase a "motive idea" which means an idea that inspires someone to act.

Is motive a bad word?

"Motivation" is a neutral term. The same set of circumstances can be said to motivate someone to do either positive or negative acts. Extreme poverty motivated her to start her own business.