motive

• 形容词，描述引起或启动运动或动作的事物。

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

1. C1formal

   Relating to or causing motion or movement.

   引起运动的

   • 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.

   同义词drivingimpellingmovingpropellingpropulsive

• 名词，指促使某人做出某个行动、决定或表现某种行为的内心原因或主要动力，也可指动机、目的或缘由。

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.

   动机

   • 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.

   同义词causegroundimpetusincentiveinducementmotivationrationalereasonspurstimulus

2. Theme in artC1formal

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

   母题

   • 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.

   同义词idealeitmotifmotifsubjectthemetrope