rational motive
- noun
- /ˈræʃənl ˈmoʊtɪv/
- It was not often a system of ideas consciously used by the individual or community as a rational motive for action.
And Socrates, I think we'd be a critic of this idea that revenge is a rational motive for us to have.
- And Socrates, I think we'd be a critic of this idea that revenge is a rational motive for us to have.
Examples
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Perhaps rational motives exist for countries, particularly those in close but imbalanced bilateral relationships, to stop short of maximal external globalization.
Academic text (2006) -
The crime was also committed for a rational motive and was never the work of a psychopath.
Academic text (2010) -
When it comes to the disappearance of attractive young females, we don't need to look for the rational motive.
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And Socrates, I think we'd be a critic of this idea that revenge is a rational motive for us to have.
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The committee unanimously agreed that there was a rational motive behind the proposed changes to the policy.
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Her decision to relocate was based on a rational motive, as it offered better job opportunities and a lower cost of living.
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In the debate, he presented a rational motive for his actions, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based decision-making.
Synonyms
A cause or explanation for something that happened
Reasons that justify a decision or action
A reason or explanation that shows an action is acceptable
A set of reasons that explains a decision or action
A reasonable explanation for something that seems strange
Antonyms
How Rational
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'a motive that can be justified by logical argument' is directly and compositionally derived from 'rational' (governed by logic) modifying 'motive' (a reason for action). This adjective+noun combination follows standard compounding patterns and is cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both words would readily understand it.
Etymology
Rational motive comes from the two words rational and motive. rational means clear thinking or 'reason', and motive is what 'makes you act', so the phrase shows a calm, logical cause for doing something and means a 'reason based on logic'.