motives
word · lemma: motive
/ˈmoʊtɪvz/
MOH-tivz
/mˈəʊtɪvz/
MOH-tivz
Definition
The reasons or driving forces behind a person's actions or behavior.
Usage & Nuances
Most often used in formal or neutral contexts, especially in discussions of actions and behavior ('hidden motives', 'questioning someone's motives'). Common in legal, psychological, and news language. Different from 'reasons', which can be more general or factual.
Spanish: motivosPortuguese (BR): motivosPortuguese (PT): motivosChinese (Simplified): 动机Chinese (Traditional): 動機Hindi: प्रेरणाएँArabic: دوافعBengali: উদ্দেশ্য - প্রেরণাRussian: мотивыJapanese: 動機Vietnamese: động cơKorean: 동기Turkish: güdüler - motivlerUrdu: مقاصد - محرکاتIndonesian: motivasi - motif
Example Sentences
Police are trying to find the motives behind the crime.
basic
She did not reveal her motives for helping him.
basic
We should talk about people’s motives before judging them.
basic
His motives seem genuine, but I still have doubts.
natural
People often hide their true motives when dealing with money.
natural
I wonder what her real motives are for joining the project.
natural