motive

• Adjectif décrivant ce qui provoque ou initie un mouvement ou une action, notamment en psychologie, en mécanique ou en linguistique.

An adjective describing something that causes or initiates movement or action.

1. C1formal

   Relating to or causing motion or movement.

   moteur

   • The motive force behind the engine is steam.
   • Motive power is essential for the train to move.
   • The scientist studied the motive energy of the particles.

   Synonymesdrivingimpellingmovingpropellingpropulsive

• Nom désignant la raison ou la force motrice principale d'une action, d'une décision ou d'un comportement.

A noun referring to a reason or underlying cause for a particular action, decision, or behavior.

1. Reason for actionB2formal

   A reason or underlying cause that drives someone to act in a particular way.

   Motif (raison d'agir)

   • The police are investigating the motive behind the crime.
   • Her motive for studying medicine was to help others.
   • He had a strong motive to lie about his whereabouts.

   Synonymescausegroundimpetusincentiveinducementmotivationrationalereasonspurstimulus

2. Theme in artC1formal

   A recurring theme, subject, or idea in a piece of art, literature, or music.

   Thème en art

   • The motive of redemption appears throughout the novel.
   • The composer used a simple motive that repeats in each movement.
   • The artist's motive was to explore the concept of isolation.

   Synonymesidealeitmotifmotifsubjectthemetrope