motive
/ˈməutɪv; `motɪv/ n
~ (for sth) that which causes sb to act in a particular way; reason 动机; 原因
The police could not find a motive for the murder. 警方未能找出谋杀者的动机.
question sb's motives 对某人的动机提出疑问
the profit motive, ie the desire to makea profit 图利的动机. =>Usage at reason1 用法见reason1.> motive adj [attrib 作定语]
causing movement or action 产生运动的; 起动的; 发动的
motive force/power, eg electricity, to operate machinery 动力.