motive
/ˈməʊ.tɪv/(noun)
AWL Sublist 6CEFR B2IELTS Band 7.0 - 9.0
Academic Definition
A reason for doing something, especially one that is hidden or not obvious.
Key Academic Collocations
Click to copyWord Family & Derivatives
motivemotivatemotivationmotivationalmotives
Lexical Alternatives (Synonyms)
incentiverationaleimpetusinducementintention
Academic Sample Sentences in Context
"Critics argue that privatized prison facilities operate purely under a profit motive, neglecting humane inmate rehabilitation."
"The survey table examines the primary motives cited by international university students for studying in English-speaking nations."
"Environmentalists questioned the underlying motives of the fossil fuel conglomerate's heavily advertised green re-branding campaign."
IELTS Examiner Scoring Strategy (Lexical Resource)
'The profit motive' is an exceptional academic term for essays critiquing commercialization in healthcare, prisons, or schooling.