motive-n; 2 Senses

Sense Number 1: an intention, a reason for someone's actions

Commentary: MOTIVE[+state][+mental][+intention][+goal]

Examples:
There is no apparent motive for the murder.
Sally doesn't trust Bob's motives for wanting to be on the committee.
They acted with the best of motives.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1

Sense Number 2: a recurrent artistic theme or pattern

Commentary: MOTIVE[+form][+recurrent][+artistic][+music/+poetry/+painting] [+relation][+role][+theme]
NOTE: related to 'motif'

Examples:
The entire work grows organically from the opening horn motive.
The motives of death and regeneration can be seen in all his murals.
The tablecloth had a decorative motive of grape vines and flowers around its border.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 2