“Motive” vs. “Motif”: What’s the Difference?
Jun 9, 2023
Engram
The difference between “motive” and “motif”
- Motive relates to the intention or reason behind a specific action or behavior, while motif pertains to recurring patterns or elements within a work of art or literature.
- Motive has more to do with human behavior, while motif is seen more in objects and works of art.
- Motives are often tied to individual agency, while motifs are typically part of a larger creative process.
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What is the definition of “motive” and “motif”?
Motive
- A motive is a reason or cause for doing something.
- It often refers to the underlying intention behind a particular action or behavior.
- Motives can be conscious or unconscious, and may be influenced by a variety of factors.
Motif
- A motif is a recurring element or pattern in a work of art or literature.
- It often carries symbolic meaning or serves to reinforce a particular theme or idea.
- Motifs can be visual, musical, or linguistic in nature.
Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?
“Motif” is the more popular variant on the web.
Motive
165,000,000 results on the web
Examples
- The police still haven't determined the motive behind the recent break-in.
- His motive for running the charity race was to raise money for cancer research.
- The villain's motive for taking hostages was to demand a ransom from the government.
More popular
Motif
234,000,000 results on the web
Examples
- The designer used a floral motif for the wallpaper in the bedroom.
- The recurring motif throughout the movie was the sound of a ticking clock.
- The artist's latest collection showcases a geometric motif in bold colors.
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