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4. (Fine Arts) That which produces
conception, invention, or creation in the mind of the artist in
undertaking his subject; the guiding or controlling idea manifested
in a work of art, or any part of one.

Syn. -- Incentive; incitement; inducement; reason; spur;
stimulus; cause. -- Motive, Inducement, Reason.
Motive is the word originally used in speaking of that which
determines the choice. We call it an inducement when it is
attractive in its nature. We call it a reason when it is more
immediately addressed to the intellect in the form of argument.

Mo"tive, a. Causing motion; having
power to move, or tending to move; as, a motive argument;
motive power. "Motive faculty." Bp.
Wilkins.

Motive power (Mach.), a natural
agent, as water, steam, wind, electricity, etc., used to impart
motion to machinery; a motor; a mover.

Mo"tive (?), v. t. To prompt or
incite by a motive or motives; to move.


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