German word

Motiv

Pronunciation

IPA/moˈtiːf/

Meaning

  • neuter nounmotive

Example

Seine Motive für die Tat blieben unbekannt.

His motives for the act remained unknown.

Illustration for Motiv (motive)

More examples

Für viele Freiwillige ist das Motiv die Freude am Helfen.

For many volunteers, the motive is the joy of helping.

Core concept

An inner prompt explains a deed, while a repeated image or idea gives a work its character.

Common phrases

  • das Motiv hinter etwas

    the motive behind something

  • ein mögliches Motiv

    a possible motive

  • ein politisches Motiv

    a political motive

Similar words

Grund: A reason arising from an external event or situation.
Absicht: A deliberately formed intention or goal behind an action.
Anlass: The immediate occasion that triggers an event or action.
Zweck: A specific purpose assigned to an action or object.

Definition in German

Innerer Beweggrund für ein Handeln; in Kunst und Literatur ein wiederkehrendes Thema oder Bild.

Word origin

Motiv is a borrowing ultimately based on Latin motivus, 'causing movement', which developed through French motif before entering German.

Usage tips

  • The noun is neuter, so its singular form is das Motiv and its plural is die Motive.

Other meanings

  • reasonnoun
  • purposenoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word