Motiv

motive

noun mo-TEEF Less Common

Origin: from Latin motivum via French

Also means

motif

Usage Note

Motiv spans two senses English splits: a reason for acting (the police look for a Tatmotiv) and a recurring artistic or musical theme. The final v is pronounced 'f'. The plural Motive ends in a voiced 'v' sound.

Examples

"Das Motiv der Tat ist unbekannt."

Natural Translation

The motive for the deed is unknown.

Literal Translation

The motive of-the deed is unknown.

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