Judged: two independent readers; copy check clear.

motive

motive A motive is any conscious factor that helps determine an act of will.

A motive is any conscious factor that helps determine an act of will. In this historical usage, the term is broader than a consciously pictured goal or end, and can include both ideational ends and other determining influences in voluntary choice.

Also see

Sources

Drafting source: Baldwin Dictionary of Philosophy and Psychology, 1901. 1901 New York Macmillan original; archive index checked 2026-10-18. “Motive” (Motive).
public-domain-US · Definition uses new wording; original source retains its stated licence. · Source snapshot SHA-256: 65bda23f294e6b85adca79f9a6684290b2c0dfd8b7c7860ee849546a7f9480c1

These citations identify the drafting sources. 2/2 independent reader passes against the pinned source packet. The drafter does not count as a reader. Source institutions do not endorse this dictionary.

Cite this entry

PsychTerms (psychterms.org), CC BY 4.0, version 1. “motive.” Development preview.

Version 1 · SHA-256: 0e8bc42e162d28f776bba0094670b663696db8d7c82c4c790dc81a51749d8b02

Edit this entry on GitHub