motive
noun
adj
ˈməʊtɪv
noun
1
the
reason
that
makes
someone
do
something,
especially
when
this
reason
is
kept
hidden
〔尤指隐藏的〕动机，原因，目的
What
do
you
suppose
the
killer’s
motive
was?
你认为凶手的动机是什么？
motive
for
(doing)
sth
The
police
believe
the
motive
for
this
murder
was
jealousy.
警方认为这宗谋杀案的动机是嫉妒。
[+
behind
]
The
motives
behind
the
decision
remain
obscure.
这个决定背后的动机依然不明。
The
violence
was
clearly
prompted
by
political
motives.
这次暴力事件显然是由政治动机引发的。
It’s
not
the
kind
of
thing
he’d
do
unless
he
had
an
ulterior
motive
(=a
reason
he
kept
hidden)
.
除非他别有用心，否则他不会做这种事的。
2
a
MOTIF
〔文艺作品的〕主题;〔装饰等的〕基调，基本图案;〔音乐作品的〕主旋律
an
apparently
motiveless
killing
一起表面上没有动机的杀人案
adj
3
the
motive
power
or
force
for
a
machine,
vehicle
etc
makes
it
move
[术语] 引起运动的; 起推动作用的; 提供动力的
Water
provided
the
motive
power
for
the
mill.
水是这座磨坊的动力。