# noun. - a reason for doing something, especially one that is hidden or not obvious. * a motive for his murder - (in art, literature, or music) a motif. * the entire work grows organically from the opening horn motive
# adjective. - producing physical or mechanical motion. * the charge of gas is the motive force for every piston stroke - causing or being the reason for something. * the motive principle of a writer's work