4 uses
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1 —3 uses as in:
What is her motive?
Definition
a reason for doing something
- They must have powerful motives for a secret residence, or be reduced to a destitute condition indeed, who seek a refuge in Jacob's Island.Chapter 50 — The Pursuit and Escape (16% in)
- Of course, he entered at this juncture, into no explanation of his motives, and they walked on very lovingly together.Chapter 42 — An Old Acquaintance of Oliver's, Exhibiting Decided Marks.... (24% in)
- So tardily stole the time in this lonely place, and so eager was the spy to penetrate the motives of an interview so different from what he had been led to expect, that he more than once gave the matter up for lost, and persuaded himself, either that they had stopped far above, or had resorted to some entirely different spot to hold their mysterious conversation.Chapter 46 — The Appointment Kept (26% in)
There are no more uses of "motive" flagged with this meaning in Oliver Twist.
Typical Usage
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? —1 use
exact meaning not specified
- But, although his motive for looking steadily at Oliver no longer existed, the old idea of the resemblance between his features and some familiar face came upon him so strongly, that he could not withdraw his gaze.Chapter 12 — In Which Oliver is Taken Better Care of than He Ever was.... (66% in)
There are no more uses of "motive" in Oliver Twist.
Typical Usage
(best examples)