leitmotiv

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).]

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

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

Translations

leitmotiv [ˈlaɪtməʊˌtiːf] N → leitmotiv m

leitmotiv leitmotif [ˈlaɪtməʊˌtiːf] n (Mus) (fig) → leitmotiv m inv

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leitmotiv leitmotif [ˈlaɪtməʊˌtiːf] n (Mus) (fig) → leitmotiv m inv