motif (redirected from Motifs)

mo·tif  (m-tf)

n.

1.

a. A recurrent thematic element in an artistic or literary work.

b. A dominant theme or central idea.

2. Music A short rhythmic or melodic passage that is repeated or evoked in various parts of a composition.

3. A repeated figure or design in architecture or decoration. See Synonyms at figure.

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[French, from Old French, motive; see motive.]

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motif [məʊˈtiːf]

n

1. (Music, other) (Literary & Literary Critical Terms) a distinctive idea, esp a theme elaborated on in a piece of music, literature, etc.

2. (Fine Arts & Visual Arts / Art Terms) Also motive a recurring form or shape in a design or pattern

3. (Clothing & Fashion) a single added piece of decoration, such as a symbol or name on a jumper, sweatshirt, etc.

[from French. See motive]

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	motif - a design or figure that consists of recurring shapes or colors, as in architecture or decoration motive pattern, design, figure - a decorative or artistic work; "the coach had a design on the doors"
	2.	motif - a theme that is repeated or elaborated in a piece of music motive melodic theme, musical theme, theme, idea - (music) melodic subject of a musical composition; "the theme is announced in the first measures"; "the accompanist picked up the idea and elaborated it" obbligato, obligato - a persistent but subordinate motif
	3.	motif - a unifying idea that is a recurrent element in literary or artistic work; "it was the usual `boy gets girl' theme" theme idea, thought - the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about; "it was not a good idea"; "the thought never entered my mind" topos - a traditional theme or motif or literary convention; "James Joyce uses the topos of the Wandering Jew in his Ulysses"

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motif

noun

1. design, form, shape, decoration, ornament wallpaper with a rose motif

2. theme, idea, subject, concept, leitmotif the motif of magical apples in fairytales

Translations

motif [məʊˈtiːf] N (Art, Mus) → motivo m; [of speech etc] → tema m (Sew) → adorno m

motif [məʊˈtiːf] n → motif m

motif

n (Art, Mus) → Motiv nt; (Sew) → Muster nt

motif [məʊˈtiːf] n → motivo