mo·tif (m -t f )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. [French, from Old French, motive; see motive.] |
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]
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  motif - a design or figure that consists of recurring shapes or colors, as in architecture or decoration |
| 2. | motif - a theme that is repeated or elaborated in a piece of music 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" | |
| 3. | motif - a unifying idea that is a recurrent element in literary or artistic work; "it was the usual `boy gets girl' 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" |
motif
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