motive

motive — adjective

1. relating to a physical force or source of energy that makes something move or op

1.adjectiveB2
Definition

relating to a physical force or source of energy that makes something move or operate — for example, the steam that drives a train engine or the wind that turns a windmill's blades.

Example

Padma studied how steam provides motive power for the turbines at the power plant.

collocation: motive power

The wind was the only motive force for the sailing ship crossing the Atlantic.

collocation: motive force

Common collocations
  • motive power
  • motive force
  • motive energy
Synonyms
  • driving

    more general; 'driving force' can be physical or metaphorical

  • moving

    simpler but less common in this technical use; 'moving parts' focuses on the parts themselves, not the energy

  • propulsive

    more formal and technical; limited to contexts of thrust or forward motion

Antonyms
  • stationary

    describes something not moving, rather than a force

Grammar Patterns

motive + noun

Usage Note

This sense is almost always used before a noun, most commonly with 'power', 'force', or 'energy'. It appears in technical or historical discussions of engines, machinery, and natural energy sources.

Common Mistakes

Love was the motive power behind his decision.
Love was the motivating force behind his decision.
This sense describes physical energy, not emotional drive; use 'motivating' for emotional or psychological causes.

motive — noun

motive — verb

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four words describe why someone does something, but they differ in emphasis. 'Motive' (B1) focuses on the inner, often hidden reason behind actions that affect others — it is the most common word in crime and investigation contexts ('the police looked for a motive'). 'Reason' (A2) is the broadest and most neutral term; anyone can have a reason for anything, from choosing breakfast to changing jobs. 'Motivation' (B1) emphasizes the internal drive, enthusiasm, or energy behind sustained effort ('her motivation to finish the marathon never faded'). 'Incentive' (B2) points to an external reward or benefit designed to encourage action ('the company offered a bonus as an incentive'). In short: use 'reason' for everyday explanations, 'motive' when suspicion or hidden purpose is involved, 'motivation' for inner drive, and 'incentive' for external rewards. For example: 'Her reason for studying late was the upcoming exam; her motivation was the desire to become a doctor; the scholarship was an added incentive.'

motive ↗reason ↗motivation ↗incentive ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • motive for
  • motive behind
  • with/without motive

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

The word 'motive' entered English in the 1300s from Old French 'motif', meaning 'moving' or 'impelling'. This came from Latin 'motivus' ('causing to move'), which was built on 'motus' (the past participle of 'movere', meaning 'to move'). The noun sense — a reason that moves a person to act — developed in the 1400s. The musical meaning, referring to a short repeated phrase, emerged in the 1800s, influenced by the German 'Motiv' used in music theory.