2 uses
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Definition
a reason for doing something
- My dear Algy, I don't know whether you will be able to understand my real motives.Act 1 — Morning-room in Algernon's flat in Half-Moon Street (27% in)
- Cecily, who addresses me as her uncle from motives of respect that you could not possibly appreciate, lives at my place in the country under the charge of her admirable governess, Miss Prism.Act 1 — Morning-room in Algernon's flat in Half-Moon Street (26% in)
There are no more uses of "motive" in The Importance of Being Earnest.
Typical Usage
(best examples)