Motive

Motive is the reason a person acts in a particular way. It refers to the mental state that prompts, sustains, or guides behavior, and is commonly discussed in criminology, psychology, and the arts. In everyday use, motive explains why someone did something; in law, it helps establish credibility and may influence judgments about responsibility. Motive is not always observable or verifiable, and a crime can be committed with a clear motive, an unclear motive, or even with no plausible motive at all.

In criminal contexts, investigators look for motives such as financial gain, revenge, jealousy, coercion, fear, or ideological conviction. Motives can be complex, layered, or mutually reinforcing, and they may change over time. A lack of motive does not preclude guilt, and establishing motive is not always necessary for prosecution; rather, motive is an explanatory tool that can illuminate intent and opportunity.

Psychology distinguishes motive from motivation. Motivation is the broader process that initiates and directs behavior toward goals, while motive describes the specific inner state that underpins that drive. Psychologists distinguish intrinsic motivation, driven by internal satisfaction, from extrinsic motivation, driven by external rewards or pressures. Social, cognitive, and emotional factors interact to shape motive, and cultural context can influence what is perceived as acceptable or compelling.

In the arts, a motive or motif is a recurrent element that has symbolic or thematic significance. In music, a motive is a short, identifiable musical idea that recurs and develops; in literature and film, motifs are recurring images, symbols, or ideas that reinforce themes.