Motive vs. Motif: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 26, 2023
A motive is a reason for doing something or a driving force behind an action. A motif is a recurring theme, symbol, or element in a work of art or literature.
Difference Between Motive and Motif
A motive pertains to the psychological realm, denoting an individual's underlying reason or drive for taking a certain action. It often serves as the emotional or logical catalyst propelling someone's choices. Conversely, a motif relates more to the artistic and literary domains. It is a repeated theme, image, or concept that emerges throughout a work, helping to convey deeper meanings or unify the narrative.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Delving into the realm of human behavior, motive is a term psychologists and investigators frequently employ. When seeking to understand why a person made a particular decision or committed a certain deed, their motive is central. In literature and art, the term motif is wielded by analysts and critics. They identify and interpret motifs to grasp the core messages and intentions of the artist or writer.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
When considering personal interactions, understanding a person's motive can offer insight into their objectives and desires. It sheds light on their priorities and the reasons underpinning their actions. In contrast, in the world of design and aesthetics, a motif might be a repeated pattern or design element, contributing to the overall visual or thematic coherence of the piece.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
To illustrate with a simple example, if a character in a novel acts out of jealousy, that jealousy is the motive. If, however, the novel repeatedly employs the imagery of a green-eyed monster, that image becomes a motif, symbolizing and emphasizing the theme of jealousy throughout the narrative.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Motive vs. Motif Comparison Chart
Definition
A reason or incentive for doing something.
A repeated design or theme in art or literature.
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Sep 26, 2023
Function
Explains the reason behind an action.
Emphasizes a theme or concept.
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Sep 26, 2023
Example
Committing a crime out of jealousy.
The recurring image of a green-eyed monster.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Motive vs. Motif Definitions
◉Motive
An internal drive prompting a person to act in a particular way.
His primary motive for helping was genuine concern.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Motif
A distinctive and recurring form or feature in an artistic work.
The floral motif was evident in all of her paintings.
Elijah
Sep 26, 2023
◉Motive
The goal or objective behind an action.
His sudden interest raised questions about his motives.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Motif
A repeated pattern or design.
The fabric had a delicate leaf motif throughout.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Motive
An underlying intention or purpose.
She hid her true motive behind a facade of kindness.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Motif
A dominant idea or central theme.
Freedom is the main motif of the poet's anthology.
Lucas
Sep 26, 2023
◉Motive
An emotional or rational impulse governing a decision.
Money can be a powerful motive in decision-making.
Leo
Sep 26, 2023
◉Motif
A significant symbol that reappears in various parts of a work.
The motif of the mockingbird represents innocence in the novel.
Elijah
Sep 26, 2023
◉Motive
An emotion, desire, physiological need, or similar impulse that acts as an incitement to action.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Motif
(Music) A short rhythmic or melodic passage that is repeated or evoked in various parts of a composition.
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May 03, 2023
◉Motive
(obsolete) An idea or communication that makes one want to act, especially from spiritual sources; a divine prompting.
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May 03, 2023
◉Motif
A recurrent pattern either of molecular sequence, usually of nucleotides or amino acids in proteins, or of molecular structure that usually corresponds to specific biological activity.
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May 03, 2023
◉Motive
An incentive to act in a particular way; a reason or emotion that makes one want to do something; anything that prompts a choice of action.
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May 03, 2023
◉Motif
A recurring or dominant element; an artistic theme.
See how the artist repeats the scroll motif throughout the work?
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May 03, 2023
◉Motif
(music) A short melodic or lyrical passage that is repeated in several parts of a work.
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May 03, 2023
◉Motive
(law) Something which causes someone to want to commit a crime; a reason for criminal behaviour.
What would his motive be for burning down the cottage?
No-one could understand why she had hidden the shovel; her motives were obscure at best.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Motif
(dressmaking) A decorative appliqué design or figure, as of lace or velvet, used in trimming.
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May 03, 2023
◉Motive
(music) A motif; a theme or subject, especially one that is central to the work or often repeated.
If you listen carefully, you can hear the flutes mimicking the cello motive.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Motif
(crystallography) The physical object or objects repeated at each point of a lattice. Usually atoms or molecules.
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May 03, 2023
◉Motif
(chess) A basic element of a move in terms of why the piece moves and how it supports the fulfilment of a stipulation.
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May 03, 2023
◉Motive
Causing motion; having power to move, or tending to move
a motive argument
motive power
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May 03, 2023
◉Motif
(biochemistry) In a nucleotide or aminoacid sequence, pattern that is widespread and has, or is conjectured to have, a biological significance.
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May 03, 2023
◉Motif
In literature and the fine arts, a salient feature or element of a composition or work; esp., the theme, or central or dominant feature;
This motif, of old things lost, is a favorite one for the serious ballade.
The design . . . is . . . based on the peacock - a motif favored by decorative artists of all ages.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Motive
That which incites to action; anything prompting or exciting to choise, or moving the will; cause; reason; inducement; object; motivation{2}.
By motive, I mean the whole of that which moves, excites, or invites the mind to volition, whether that be one thing singly, or many things conjunctively.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Motif
A decorative appliqué design or figure, as of lace or velvet, used in trimming; also, a repeated design.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Motive
The theme or subject; a leading phrase or passage which is reproduced and varied through the course of a comor a movement; a short figure, or melodic germ, out of which a whole movement is develpoed. See also Leading motive, under Leading.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Motive
That which produces conception, invention, or creation in the mind of the artist in undertaking his subject; the guiding or controlling idea manifested in a work of art, or any part of one.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Motive
Causing motion; having power to move, or tending to move; as, a motive argument; motive power.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Motif
a unifying idea that is a recurrent element in a literary or artistic work;
it was the usual `boy gets girl' theme
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Motif
A recurring theme or idea in a work of art or literature.
The broken mirror became a central motif in the novel.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
◉Motive
the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior;
we did not understand his motivation
he acted with the best of motives
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Motive
causing or able to cause motion;
a motive force
motive power
motor energy
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May 03, 2023
◉Motive
impelling to action;
it may well be that ethical language has primarily a motivative function
motive pleas
motivating arguments
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May 03, 2023
◉Motive
A reason for doing something.
The detective questioned the suspect's motive for being at the crime scene.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
Motive vs. Motif Frequently Asked Questions
Can a motive be hidden or not obvious?
Yes, motives can be concealed or not immediately apparent, often requiring analysis or investigation to uncover.
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Sep 26, 2023
Is the motive more about psychology?
Yes, motive delves into psychological aspects, seeking to understand the reasons behind actions or behaviors.
Jonathan
Sep 26, 2023
How does a motif contribute to a story or artwork?
A motif enhances the thematic depth, creates coherence, and emphasizes specific ideas or emotions in a story or artwork.
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Sep 26, 2023
Is a motif typically seen in literature and art?
Yes, a motif is a recurring theme, symbol, or element frequently found in literature and art.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
What does motive primarily refer to?
Motive refers to the underlying reason or drive prompting an action or behavior.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
In which contexts would one most likely encounter the term motif?
One would predominantly encounter the term motif in discussions about art, design, and literature.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Is a motive always genuine?
Not necessarily. Individuals might have hidden or ulterior motives that differ from what they project.
Lucas
Sep 26, 2023
Is it essential for a motif to be visual in art or literature?
While many motifs are visual, especially in art, they can also be thematic, conceptual, or symbolic in both art and literature.
Nolan
Sep 26, 2023
How can one discern someone's motive?
Discerning someone's motive often involves observing behavior, considering context, and sometimes directly inquiring.
Kaitlyn
Sep 26, 2023
Does every artwork or piece of literature have a motif?
Not every work has a deliberate motif, but many have recurring themes or symbols that can be identified as motifs.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Content Creators
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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.
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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.
