Motivation vs. Motive: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on December 26, 2023
"Motivation" refers to the drive or reason behind actions, while "motive" is specifically the reason or intent for a particular action, often used in legal or psychological contexts.
Difference Between Motivation and Motive
Motivation is a broad term encompassing the reasons or desires that propel a person to act, be it personal ambition, emotional needs, or external rewards. Motive, on the other hand, is more specific and often implies a reason behind a particular action, especially in legal or psychological analysis. For instance, motivation can be a general desire for success, while a motive might be the specific reason for committing a certain act.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 26, 2023
In psychology, motivation is studied as a part of human behavior, exploring what motivates individuals to perform certain tasks or pursue goals. Conversely, motive is frequently analyzed in criminology and law to understand the specific reasons behind a criminal's actions. Here, motivation encompasses a wider range of human desires and goals, whereas motive zeroes in on the rationale for particular behaviors, often within a legal framework.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 26, 2023
In a workplace setting, motivation can refer to factors that encourage employees to perform better, such as job satisfaction, recognition, or incentives. In contrast, when discussing motive in this context, it often pertains to the specific reason behind an individual's action within the organization, such as a motive for proposing a new project or a motive for resigning.
Muazma Batool
Dec 26, 2023
Motivation is a key concept in self-help and personal development, focusing on finding and nurturing the inner drive to achieve personal goals. Motive, while it can be personal, is often used in discussions about actions with social or ethical implications, such as understanding the motive behind a philanthropic act or a politically motivated decision.
Levi
Dec 26, 2023
Motivation vs. Motive Comparison Chart
Definition
The reason or desire driving a person to act.
The specific reason behind a particular action.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 26, 2023
Context of Use
Broad, including personal, professional, and educational settings.
Often specific, used in legal, psychological, and analytical contexts.
Muazma Batool
Dec 26, 2023
Scope
Encompasses general desires and goals.
Focuses on specific reasons or intents.
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Dec 26, 2023
Examples
Desire for success, need for achievement.
Reason for a specific action, like a crime.
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Dec 26, 2023
Field of Study
Widely studied in psychology, business, and education.
Frequently analyzed in law, criminology, and psychology.
Olivia
Dec 26, 2023
Motivation vs. Motive Definitions
◉Motivation
Drive Behind Actions.
Motivation to help others led him to volunteer.
Muazma Batool
Dec 26, 2023
◉Motive
Reason for an Action.
The detective questioned the suspect's motive for the crime.
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Dec 26, 2023
◉Motivation
Force Encouraging Progress.
His motivation to improve was inspired by his mentor.
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Dec 26, 2023
◉Motivation
Psychological Impetus.
Her motivation to study stemmed from her curiosity.
William
Dec 26, 2023
◉Motivation
Incentive or Reason for Behavior.
Financial rewards were his main motivation.
Jonathan
Dec 26, 2023
◉Motive
Purpose Behind a Decision.
The politician's motive was to gain public support.
Olivia
Dec 26, 2023
◉Motivation
Desire to Achieve.
Her motivation to succeed in her career was unmatched.
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Dec 26, 2023
◉Motive
Cause for a Specific Act.
The artist's motive for this painting was to evoke emotion.
Levi
Dec 26, 2023
◉Motivation
The act or process of motivating
the coach's effective motivation of her players.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Motive
An emotion, desire, physiological need, or similar impulse that acts as an incitement to action.
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May 03, 2023
◉Motivation
The state of being motivated; having a desire or willingness to act
students with a high level of motivation.
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May 03, 2023
◉Motivation
Something that motivates; an inducement, reason, or goal
“If your primary motivation in life is to be moral, you don't become an artist” (Mary Gordon).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
Motivation vs. Motive Frequently Asked Questions
Can a person have multiple motivations for an action?
Yes, a person can have multiple motivations driving their actions or decisions.
Kaitlyn
Dec 26, 2023
Can motivation be positive or negative?
Yes, motivation can be positive or negative, depending on the desires or goals driving a person.
Muazma Batool
Dec 26, 2023
Can motivation be intrinsic or extrinsic?
Motivation can be both intrinsic, originating within oneself, and extrinsic, coming from external factors.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 26, 2023
Is understanding motive important in law?
Understanding motive is essential in law to comprehend the reasons behind criminal behavior.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 26, 2023
Is motive always related to crimes?
While often used in legal contexts, motive is not exclusively related to crimes and can refer to reasons behind any specific action.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 26, 2023
Does motivation play a role in workplace performance?
Yes, motivation is crucial in the workplace, influencing employee performance and satisfaction.
Olivia
Dec 26, 2023
What distinguishes motivation from motive?
Motivation is a broader term for the drive behind actions, while motive is specific to the reason for a particular action.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 26, 2023
Do motivation and motive change over time?
Both motivation and motive can evolve over time based on personal growth and changing circumstances.
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Dec 26, 2023
How do psychologists study motivation?
Psychologists study motivation by exploring the emotional, cognitive, and social forces that drive behavior.
Kaitlyn
Dec 26, 2023
Are motive and intention the same?
Motive is similar to intention but often carries a connotation of underlying reason, especially in legal or psychological contexts.
Jonathan
Dec 26, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
