French Conversation · Level 118
59 words
French word
motif
Pronunciation
IPA/motif/
Meaning
- masculine nounreason
Example
Quel est le motif de ton absence ?
What is the reason for your absence?
More examples
Le motif de son licenciement reste inconnu.
The reason for his dismissal remains unknown.
Core concept
A force that sets an action in motion, or a repeated design that gives a work its recognizable form.
Common phrases
motif d'absence
reason for absence
motif valable
valid reason
Similar words
raison: A reason or justification for a decision or action.
cause: The immediate cause of an event or state.
motivation: The inner drive or desire to take action.
prétexte: A pretended reason hiding the true one or serving as an excuse.
Definition in French
Mobile ou cause qui explique le comportement, la décision ou l'absence d'une personne.
Word origin
French motif came through Italian motivo from Latin motivus, based on movere, 'to move', and its senses extend from a motivating cause to a repeated design.
Usage tips
- In the reason sense, motif is masculine and commonly takes de before a noun, as in le motif de ton absence.
Other meanings
- motivenoun
- patternnoun
Opposites
- hasardchancenoun
- coïncidencecoincidencenoun
Related words
- motivationmotivationnoun
- motivermotivateverb
- motivémotivatedadjective