Meaning
motive
- a reason or cause that prompts someone to commit a crime or act
In a sentence
Gli investigatori cercano ancora il movente dell'omicidio.
The investigators are still looking for the motive of the murder.
Quale potrebbe essere il vero movente dietro questo gesto?
What could be the real motive behind this act?
L'imputato ha agito senza alcun movente economico apparente.
The defendant acted without any apparent financial motive.
Word forms (2)
| Word | Word forms |
|---|---|
| movente | masculine · singular |
| moventi | masculine · plural |
Usage notes
- Frequently used in legal, police, and journalistic contexts (e.g. 'il movente del delitto').
- Often distinguished from 'motivo' by its specific connection to crimes or wrongful actions.