WordWeb Online

1. The psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behaviour
   "he acted with the best of motives";
   - motivation, need
    
2. A theme that is repeated or elaborated in a piece of music
   - motif
    
3. A design or figure that consists of recurring shapes or colours, as in architecture or decoration
   - motif

1. Causing or able to cause motion
   "a motive force"; "motive power";
   - motor
    
2. Impelling to action
   "motive pleas";
   - motivative, motivating

Derived forms: motives

See also: causative

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

Encyclopedia: Motive, Inc