Causing motion; having power to move or tending to move; as a motive argument; motive power.

That which incites to action; that which determines the choice, or moves the will. Thus we speak of good motives, and bad motives; strong and weak motives. The motive to continue at rest is ease or satisfaction; the motive to change is uneasiness, or the prospect of good.

That which may or ought to incite to action; reason; cause.

A mover.