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motive
noun
See more 2-syllable nouns

Divide motive into syllables:

mo · tive

How to pronounce motive:

Definition of motive:

motive (noun):
something (such as a need or desire) that causes a person to act
the reason, whether conscious or unconscious, for a certain course of action
the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior.

Synonyms for motive:

cause
content
design
essence
ethical motive
ethics
ground(s)
idea
impulse
incentive
incitement
inducement
influence
inspiration
intention
irrational motive
issue
life
mainspring
matter
mental energy
morality
morals
motif
motivation
Show 17 more

Antonyms for motive:

annex
annexe
block
bridle
check
constraint
counterincentive
curb
defence
defense
demotivator
depressant
determent
deterrent
discouragement
disgust
disincentive
dislike
dissuasion
diversion
hate
hatred
hindrance
impediment
indifference
Show 19 more

Other 2-syllable words like motive

Here are some other common words that have 2 syllables, like motive does.

See all 2-syllable words
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