le

masculine

/mɔ.tif/

#2358 of 5,000 Core 5000

Translation

motive, reason; pattern

Word origin

From Medieval Latin motivus ('moving, setting in motion'), from movere ('to move'). A motive is what moves someone to act.

Origin: Latin
Root: motivus
English cognates: motive, motif

Grammar

Gendermasculine

Pluralmotifs

Examples

What is the reason for his visit?

The police are still looking for the motive for the crime.

The fabric has pretty blue patterns.

He left for personal reasons.

, .

Without a serious reason, I refuse to sign.

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motif: worksheet, infographic and listicle

Free printable study downloads for the French word "motif" (motive, reason; pattern): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.

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This word is part of lesson 48.