3 uses
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1 —2 uses as in:
What is her motive?
Definition
a reason for doing something
- I refer to that strand of opinion in the profession which suggested that any butler with serious aspirations should make it his business to be forever reappraising his employer - scrutinizing the latter's motives, analysing the implications of his views.'3e — Day 3 - Evening (97% in)
- And when today one hears talk about his lordship, when one hears the sort of foolish speculations concerning his motives as one does all too frequently these days, I am pleased to recall the memory of that moment as he spoke those heartfelt words in the near-empty banqueting hall.2m — Day 2 - Morning (42% in)
There are no more uses of "motive" flagged with this meaning in The Remains of the Day.
Typical Usage
(best examples)
? —1 use
exact meaning not specified
- But you will perhaps understand that there was a natural tendency on my part, in asking what was after all a generous favour from my employer, to hint that there was a good professional motive behind my request.Prologue (62% in)
There are no more uses of "motive" in The Remains of the Day.
Typical Usage
(best examples)