1. An inner drive or reason that causes someone to act in a particular way
   "he acted with the best of motives";
   - motivation
    
2. A theme that is repeated or elaborated in a piece of music
   "The composer wove the recurring motive throughout the symphony";
   - motif
    
3. A design or figure that consists of recurring shapes or colours, as in architecture or decoration
   "The Art Deco building featured a geometric motive throughout its facade";
   - motif

1. Providing encouragement or incentive to act or work harder; inspiring
   "motive pleas";
   - motivative [rare], motivating
    
2. Causing or able to cause motion
   "a motive force"; "motive power";
   - motor

Derived forms: motives

See also: causative

Type of: design, figure, idea, melodic theme, musical theme, pattern, psychological feature, theme

Encyclopedia: Motive, Inc