motive
adjective/ˈməʊtɪv/
/ˈməʊtɪv/
[only before noun] (specialist)- causing movement or action
- motive power/force (= for example electricity to operate machinery)
Word Originlate Middle English: from Old French motif (adjective used as a noun), from late Latin motivus, from movere ‘to move’.Definitions on the go
Look up any word in the dictionary offline, anytime, anywhere with the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary app.
Check pronunciation:
motive