leitmotif

leit·mo·tif also leit·mo·tiv  (ltm-tf)

n.

1. A melodic passage or phrase, especially in Wagnerian opera, associated with a specific character, situation, or element.

2. A dominant and recurring theme, as in a novel.

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[German Leitmotiv : leiten, to lead (from Middle High German, from Old High German leitan; see leit- in Indo-European roots) + Motiv, motif (from French motif; see motif).]

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leitmotif, leitmotiv [ˈlaɪtməʊˌtiːf]

n

1. (Music / Classical Music) Music a recurring short melodic phrase or theme used, esp in Wagnerian music dramas, to suggest a character, thing, etc.

2. (Literary & Literary Critical Terms) an often repeated word, phrase, image, or theme in a literary work

[from German leitmotiv leading motif]

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

leitmotif - a melodic phrase that accompanies the reappearance of a person or situation (as in Wagner's operas) leitmotiv melodic line, melodic phrase, melody, tune, strain, air, line - a succession of notes forming a distinctive sequence; "she was humming an air from Beethoven"

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leitmotif leitmotiv

noun theme, idea, strain, phrase, melody, motif The song's title could serve as a leitmotif for her life.

Translations

leitmotif leitmotiv [ˈlaɪtməʊtiːf] n → leitmotiv m

leitmotif, leitmotiv

n (Mus, fig) → Leitmotiv nt