outsidemotive
nounUK /ˌaʊtsaɪdˈməʊtɪv/
US /ˌaʊtsaɪdˈmoʊtɪv/
A reason you have on the outside that is different from your real reason inside.
Her smile was an outsidemotive, hiding how nervous she really felt.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A stated goal that hides the true purpose of an action.
The charity drive had an outsidemotive of helping kids, but it was really about free advertising.
3. An outward reason given to avoid explaining private feelings.
He said he was too busy, but that was just an outsidemotive for skipping the party.
4. A surface explanation used to make others believe something untrue.
The company's outsidemotive was caring for the environment, yet it kept polluting the river.