motif

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 [moh-teef]

Noun

1. a distinctive idea, esp. a theme elaborated on in a piece of music or literature

2. a recurring shape in a design

3. a single decoration, such as a symbol or name on a piece of clothing [French]

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

noun 2. theme, idea, subject, concept, leitmotif

Translations

motif [məuˈtiːf] n → motivo (= theme); tema m

motif [məuˈtiːf] n → motif m

motif [məuˈtiːf] n → Motiv nt

motif [məuˈtiːf] n → motivo