Meaning & use
motives
Last updated
“motives” is a form of “motive”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
nouncountable
The reasons or purposes that make someone act in a particular way.
Grammar: Countable noun; often used in the plural when referring to multiple reasons. Use the singular "motive" for one reason.
Patterns
- motives for something
- motives behind something
- someone's motives for doing something
The police are still trying to understand the suspect's motives for the attack.
Her motives for helping us seemed completely genuine.
He questioned the company's motives behind the sudden price cut.
Word forms
| singular | motive |
|---|
Common combinations
- hidden motives
- She suspected there were hidden motives behind his generous offer.
- question someone's motives
- The committee began to question the mayor's motives for the decision.
- ulterior motives
- He claimed he just wanted to help, but I sensed ulterior motives.
- motives for doing something
- What were his motives for leaving the job so suddenly?
Synonyms and how they differ
- reason
- A more general word for why something happens; "motive" often suggests a personal or emotional drive behind an action.
- motivation
- Focuses on the enthusiasm or drive to do something, while "motive" is the specific reason or purpose.
- purpose
- The intended result or goal; "motive" is more about the inner cause that pushes someone to act.
Word family
- motive noun
- The singular form; one reason for acting.
- motivate verb
- To make someone want to do something or to give a reason for an action.
- motivation noun
- The general desire or willingness to do something.
- motivated adjective
- Having a strong reason or desire to do something.
Practice
The detective tried to figure out the ___ behind the crime.
Choose one answer.
"Motives" fits because it means the reasons behind an action. "Motivations" is less precise here and often refers to general enthusiasm, while "motivated" and "motivating" are verb forms that do not fit grammatically after "the".
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “motives”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.