What is another word for motive?

Pronunciation: [mˈə͡ʊtɪv] (IPA)

The word "motive" refers to the impetus behind someone's actions. There are numerous synonyms for this word, including "reason," "purpose," "incentive," and "motivation." These words convey the idea of a driving force that propels someone to act. Other synonyms for "motive" include "causation," "stimulus," and "inducement." These words underscore the idea that something external is driving someone's behavior. Additionally, "motive" can be replaced with words such as "rationale," "justification," and "excuse." These words emphasize the idea that the reason behind someone's actions could be perceived as either valid or invalid. In sum, there are many different synonyms for "motive," each with their own connotations and shades of meaning.

Synonyms for Motive:

What are the paraphrases for Motive?

Paraphrases are restatements of text or speech using different words and phrasing to convey the same meaning.
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What are the hypernyms for Motive?

A hypernym is a word with a broad meaning that encompasses more specific words called hyponyms.

What are the opposite words for motive?

Antonyms are words that are opposite in meaning to another word. When it comes to the word "motive," some possible antonyms include apathy, disinterest, indifference, and purposelessness. Apathy denotes a lack of interest or enthusiasm, while disinterest suggests a lack of concern or involvement altogether. Indifference is the state of being unconcerned or impartial, and purposelessness denotes a lack of aim or direction. These antonyms highlight the opposite of having a reason or driving force behind one's actions or behavior. While motive may suggest a clear goal or intention, its antonyms suggest a lack of such purpose or focus.

Usage examples for Motive

And when he hurried home each afternoon with The News, that they might carefully examine it for anything bearing on his father's expedition, there was a double motive in the eagerness with which Manuela met him at the door.
"The Mermaid of Druid Lake and Other Stories"
Charles Weathers Bump
But the motive, man, the motive!
"The Mermaid of Druid Lake and Other Stories"
Charles Weathers Bump
On the present occasion another motive had also its influence.
"The Martins Of Cro' Martin, Vol. II (of II)"
Charles James Lever

Famous quotes with Motive

  • The atmosphere is much too near for dreams. It forces us to action. It is close to us. We are in it and of it. It rouses us both to study and to do. We must know its moods and also its motive forces.
    Cleveland Abbe
  • Individual ambition is undoubtedly a strong motive in student work, but there is such a thing among students everywhere as ambition for others, call it class spirit, esprit de corps, good fellowship, or good will to men.
    Herbert Baxter Adams
  • That he delights in the misery of others no man will confess, and yet what other motive can make a father cruel?
    Joseph Addison
  • We acknowledge but one motive - to follow the truth as we know it, whithersoever it may lead us; but in our heart of hearts we are well assured that the truth which has made us free, will in the end make us glad also.
    Mortimer Adler
  • You will find in politics that you are much exposed to the attribution of false motive. Never complain and never explain.
    Stanley Baldwin

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