Motive

Definition

Motive refers to the internal reason or desire that drives an action from within. Influential, by contrast, refers to the power to sway opinions or decisions from outside. So, motive focuses on inner, psychological sources of behavior. Influential focuses on external persuasion.

What it describes

A detective is investigating a theft at a large company. Several employees had access to the missing money, and all of them say they are innocent. The detective digs deeper. He discovers that one employee has large gambling debts and was about to lose his house. Another employee had no financial problems at all. The detective focuses on the one with the debts because he now understands the inner reason that pushed him to steal. What did the detective find? He found a motive for the crime.

Examples in context

• The detective searched for a motive, but the crime seemed completely random.
• Jealousy was the primary motive behind the attack.