motive etymology

Etymology

• Latin: mōtīvus, from mōtus ("movement, motion")
• Proto-Indo-European: *meu- ("to move")

Meaning

• A reason or cause for doing something
• A principle or belief that inspires someone to act in a particular way
• A desire or impulse that drives someone's behavior

Origin

The concept of motive has been explored by philosophers, psychologists, and sociologists for centuries. In the 17th century, the English philosopher Thomas Hobbes argued that all human behavior is motivated by self-interest. In the 19th century, the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche argued that the unconscious mind is the primary source of human motivation.

Today, psychologists generally agree that human motivation is a complex interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors. Our motives can be conscious or unconscious, and they can be influenced by our personal experiences, our social environment, and our genetic makeup.

Examples

• The motive for getting a job might be to earn money, gain experience, or pursue a passion.
• The motive for studying for a test might be to get a good grade, learn new material, or improve your knowledge.
• The motive for volunteering at a soup kitchen might be to help others, make a difference in the community, or meet new people.

motive relate terms

• automotive

  Etymology The word automotive derives from two Greek roots auto αὐτός Self

• auto

  Etymology Auto comes from the Greek word auto meaning self Meaning Auto is a pr

• motive

  Etymology Latin mōtīvus from mōtus movement motion Proto Indo European meu

• leitmotif

  Etymology The word leitmotif comes from the German phrase Leitmotiv which means le

• lead

  Etymology The word lead comes from the Old English word lēad which is ultimately d

• motive

  Etymology Latin mōtīvus from mōtus movement motion Proto Indo European meu

• locomotive

  Etymology The word locomotive is derived from Latin loco place motus moved

• need

  Etymology The word etymology is derived from the Greek words étymon meaning true m

• ostensible

  Etymology Latin ostendere to show exhibit Past participle ostensus French os

• humor

  Etymology The word humor derives from the Latin word humor meaning liquid or mois

• cause

  Etymology The word cause derives from the Old French word cause which itself comes f

• dictate

  Etymology Latin dictare From dicere to say tare suffix indicating repet

• theme

  Etymology The word theme derives from the Greek word thema θέμα which means s

• dene

  Etymology The English word dene is derived from the Old English word denu or dene

• idea

  Etymology The word idea is derived from the Greek word idein ἰδεῖν meaning