Motive vs. Motif
Motive
Definition
A motive is a reason or desire that prompts someone to act or behave in a certain way.
Motif
Definition
A motif is a recurring theme, subject, or idea in a literary, artistic, or musical work.
Example
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Her primary motive for volunteering was to help those in need.
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He had a hidden motive for joining the project.
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Understanding the motive behind his actions is crucial to resolving the conflict.
Example
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The use of water as a motif in the novel symbolizes purification and rebirth.
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In the painting, the flower serves as a central motif representing beauty and transience.
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The composer used a specific motif throughout the symphony to unify the different movements.