leitmotif

or leit·mo·tiv

[ lahyt-moh-teef ]

noun

1. a motif or theme associated throughout a music drama with a particular person, situation, or idea.
2. a unifying or dominant motif; a recurrent theme:

   A leitmotif in science fiction is the evolving relationship between humans and machines.

leitmotif

/ ˈlaɪtməʊˌtiːf /

noun

1. music a recurring short melodic phrase or theme used, esp in Wagnerian music dramas, to suggest a character, thing, etc
2. an often repeated word, phrase, image, or theme in a literary work

leitmotif

1. A frequently recurring bit of melody, usually in opera , associated with a person, thing, or emotion; Leitmotiv is German for “leading theme.” The leitmotif may be heard in the instrumental or the vocal part.

Notes

Recurring themes or subjects in other forms of art or literature are sometimes also called leitmotifs.

Leitmotifs are particularly associated with the operas of Richard Wagner .

Word History and Origins

Origin of leitmotif¹

First recorded in 1875–80; from German: “leading motive”

Word History and Origins

Origin of leitmotif¹

C19: from German leitmotiv leading motif

Example Sentences

In that campaign, Obama leaned on a handful of leitmotifs to underscore his meaning: yes we can, change we need, the audacity of hope.

From Salon

In the “Barbie” film, “What Was I Made For?” plays a key role — an instrumental version of the song pops up like a leitmotif, soundtracking introspective, existential moments for its protagonist.

From Seattle Times

It was a leitmotif in everything that was being said for decades,” Traube said, adding that he is upset both by the resurgence of antisemitism and the lack of a “massive popular reaction” against it.

From Seattle Times

Certain themes and leitmotifs are constant presences in his playfully experimental fiction.

From Los Angeles Times

But the truest leitmotif of my adventure was cheese.

From Salon

Related Words

• argument
• line
• matter
• motif
• point
• problem
• question
• stuff
• subject
• text
• thought
• topic