motive
UK/'məʊtɪv/US/'mәutiv/
TOEFLB1
Definitions
n.
A reason that drives a person to act in a particular way.
动机；目的。
adj.
Producing or causing movement.
发动的；推动的。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedmot (moved) + -ive (tending to) = 'that which moves.' A motive is literally the inner force that moves you to act. The adjective sense (motive power, the motive force of an engine) keeps the physical meaning; the common noun sense moved inward — the unseen thing that sets your behavior in motion, like a motive for a crime.
Root mov still carries 92 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.hidden motive隐藏的动机
- 2.ulterior motive不可告人的目的
- 3.criminal motive犯罪动机
- 4.motive for……的动机
Example Sentences
- 1.
The police could not find a clear motive for the attack.
- 2.
She had a hidden motive for offering to help.
- 3.
Steam was once the main motive power for trains.