Definition

Noun: A motivation for an action or decision that is not based on reason or logical thinking. It is an internal drive or desire that arises from emotions, instincts, unconscious forces, or other non-rational sources.

Usage

An "irrational motive" explains why a person might do something that seems illogical or unreasonable to an outside observer. It is a psychological concept used to describe the driving force behind behaviors that are not easily explained by conscious, rational goals.

Examples

• The detective realized the crime was not committed for money, but out of an irrational motive like jealousy or a deep-seated fear.
• Her sudden decision to quit her stable job and travel the world was driven by an irrational motive: a powerful feeling that she was wasting her life.
• In the story, the character's irrational motive of pure hatred leads him to destroy his own happiness as well as his enemy's.

Advanced Usage

• In Psychology/Psychoanalysis: The concept is central to understanding behaviors influenced by the unconscious mind, as described by theorists like Sigmund Freud. For example, an "irrational motive" could be a repressed childhood memory influencing adult decisions.
• In Contrast to "Rational Motive": Often discussed in opposition to rational motives (e.g., economic gain, personal safety, logical problem-solving). A decision can involve a mix of both rational and irrational motives.

Variants and Related Words

• Irrationality (noun): The quality or state of being irrational.
• Motivation (noun): The general reason or reasons for acting or behaving in a particular way. "Irrational motive" is a specific type of motivation.

Synonyms

• Impulse
• Compulsion
• Unconscious drive
• Emotion-based motive

Antonyms

• Rational motive
• Logical reason
• Reasoned justification

Noun

1. a motivation that is inconsistent with reason or logic