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Motive

/mˈoʊtɪv/
B2
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(noun) An idea or communication that makes one want to act, especially from spiritual sources; a divine prompting.

You may rest assured; I have no ulterior motive in making this donation.
Your motive was admirable, but your action was not.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The police are still trying to determine the ____ for the crime, as there seems to be no obvious reason for the theft.

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