motives

Noun

motive (plural motives)

1. (obsolete) An idea or communication that makes one want to act, especially from spiritual sources; a divine prompting.
   • there's something in a woman beyond all human delight; a magnetic virtue, a charming quality, an occult and powerful motive.1624, Democritus Junior [pseudonym; Robert Burton], The Anatomy of Melancholy: […], 2nd edition, Oxford, Oxfordshire: […] John Lichfield and James Short, for Henry Cripps, →OCLC, partition III...
2. An incentive to act in a particular way; a reason or emotion that makes one want to do something; anything that prompts a choice of action.
   • Many of them at first seemed kind to him, but it turned out their motives were not entirely altruistic.1947, Malcolm Lowry, Under the Volcano, New York: Reynal & Hitchcock

   Synonyms:

   motivation, sake

3. Something which causes someone to want to commit a crime; a reason for criminal behaviour.
   • What would his motive be for burning down the cottage?
4. (obsolete, rare) A limb or other bodily organ that can move.
   • every joint and motive of her bodyc. 1602 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Troylus and Cressida”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and...
5. (UK) A party, gathering, or get-together.
6. (UK) One's plans for the day or night.
   • What's the motive for tonight, lads?

See all 9 meanings of motive