How do you pronounce "motive"?

In American English: /ˈmoʊtɪv/ (MOHT-iv). In British English: /mˈəʊtɪv/ (M-oht). In Canadian English: /ˈmoʊtɪv/ (MOHT-iv). In Australian English: /mˈəʊtɪv/ (M-oht).

Is "motive" pronounced differently in American and British English?

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ˈmoʊtɪv/ (MOHT-iv), while in British English it's /mˈəʊtɪv/ (M-oht).

How to Pronounce "motive"

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motive

regional

/ˈmoʊtɪv/

MOHT-iv

Syllable Breakdown

moʊtmo·ɪvtive

Source

90%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14