Synonyms: need, motivation, motive
Definition: the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior
Usage: we did not understand his motivation; he acted with the best of motives
Similar words: psychological feature
Definition: a feature of the mental life of a living organism
Definition: a design or figure that consists of recurring shapes or colors, as in architecture or decoration
Similar words: design, figure, pattern
Definition: a decorative or artistic work
Usage: the coach had a design on the doors
Definition: a theme that is repeated or elaborated in a piece of music
Similar words: theme, melodic theme, idea, musical theme
Definition: (music) melodic subject of a musical composition
Usage: the theme is announced in the first measures; the accompanist picked up the idea and elaborated it
Synonyms: motivating, motivative, motive
Definition: impelling to action
Usage: it may well be that ethical language has primarily a motivative function- Arthur Pap; motive pleas; motivating arguments
Similar words: causative
Definition: producing an effect
Usage: poverty as a causative factor in crime
Definition: causing or able to cause motion
Usage: a motive force; motive power; motor energy
Similar words: causative
Definition: producing an effect
Usage: poverty as a causative factor in crime