You searched for: “motive”
motif, motive
motif (moh TEEF) (noun)
A recurring detail or idea in a work of art: The flower motif in the panel over the fireplace was beautifully painted.
motive (MOH tiv) (noun)
1. An idea or feeling which inspires an individual to act or to take action: The police were trying to figure out what the motive was for the break-in at the bank because nothing was missing.
2. A reason for doing something: The motive for the kids in running away was to avoid being punished for breaking the window with the football.

The posted reward was a strong motive that inspired Emily to design the signature motif for the entrance to the new library.

This entry is located in the following unit: Confusing Words Clarified: Group M; Homonyms, Homophones, Homographs, Synonyms, Polysemes, etc. + (page 6)
motive
This entry is located in the following unit: mot-, moto-, -motile, -motility, -motorial, -motoric, -motive, -motored; mov- (page 4)