How to Pronounce Motive

To pronounce "motive", say MOT-iv-e — 3 syllables, IPA /ˈməʊtɪv/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

motive

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Accent

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Speed

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3

Syllables

6

Letters

/ˈməʊtɪv/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “motive”

"motive" has 3 syllables: mot-iv-e. It rhymes with votive and emotive, if that helps it stick.

What does motive mean?

noun

  1. An idea or communication that makes one want to act, especially from spiritual sources; a divine prompting.
  2. An incentive to act in a particular way; a reason or emotion that makes one want to do something; anything that prompts a choice of action.

verb

  1. To prompt or incite by a motive or motives; to move.

adjective

  1. Causing motion; having power to move, or tending to move

    “a motive argument”

  2. Relating to motion and/or to its cause

Synonyms

motifmotivationmotivatemotionalmoving

Words that rhyme with motive

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

votiveemotivelocomotiveautomotivefotivenonautomotiveairmotive

Related words

motivativemotivationmotivatingcausativeneedmotifmotorgoal

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "motive"?▾

"Motive" has 3 syllables: mot · iv · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "motive"?▾

The IPA transcription of "motive" is /ˈməʊtɪv/.

What does "motive" mean?▾

Motive: An idea or communication that makes one want to act, especially from spiritual sources; a divine prompting.

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