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motive
noun [C] /ˈməʊ.tɪv/
/ˈmoʊ.t̬ɪv/ Definition
B2 a reason for doing something: Why would she have killed him? She has no motive. Does he have a motive for lying about where he was? What is the motive behind (= the reason for) the bombing? I think you should examine/question their motives in offering to lend you the money. She denies that she has an ulterior (= secret) motive for making the donation.Motives and reasons
(Definition of motive noun from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus
© Cambridge University Press)
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SMART Thesaurus: Motives and reasons
Synonyms and related words:
- cause noun (REASON)
- drive noun (POWER)
- first principles noun
- ground noun (CAUSE)
- hidden agenda noun
- impulse noun (REASON)
- in the name of sth idiom
- inclination noun (FEELING)
- justification noun
- mainspring noun
- motivation noun (ENTHUSIASM)
- motivation noun (REASON)
- object noun (CAUSE)
- peg noun (HOOK)
- rationale noun
- reason noun (EXPLANATION)
- should modal verb (REASON)
- wherefores noun
- why noun
Word of the Day
spurn
to refuse to accept something or someone because you feel that they are not worth having
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