motif

[ moh-teef ]

noun

1. a recurring subject, theme, idea, etc., especially in a literary, artistic, or musical work.
2. a distinctive and recurring form, shape, figure, etc., in a design, as in a painting or on wallpaper.
3. a dominant idea or feature:

   Pulmonary problems were a grim motif in his life.

4. Biochemistry. a distinct pattern of amino acids in a function-specific protein sequence:

   No polyproline motif has been observed in these yeast proteins.

motif

/ məʊˈtiːf /

noun

1. a distinctive idea, esp a theme elaborated on in a piece of music, literature, etc
2. Alsomotive a recurring form or shape in a design or pattern
3. a single added piece of decoration, such as a symbol or name on a jumper, sweatshirt, etc

motif

1. In literature, art, or music, a recurring set of words, shapes, colors, or notes. In the poem “ The Raven ,” by Edgar Allan Poe , for example, the word nevermore is a motif appearing at the end of each stanza . Likewise, the first four notes of the Fifth Symphony of Ludwig van Beethoven are a motif that is developed and reshaped throughout the work.

Word History and Origins

Origin of motif¹

First recorded in 1840–50; from French; motive

Word History and Origins

Origin of motif¹

C19: from French. See motive

Example Sentences

The motif of Megan Thee Stallion versus Megan Pete shows that perfectly.

From Salon

The ancient Persian paisley motif has long been a symbol for strength and fertility, and a brushed Zen circle filling one panel represents inner peace while doubling as a planetary emblem.

From Los Angeles Times

Only a filmmaker as attuned to his character’s own plight would find the charm and playful possibilities in that titular animal, turning the winding swirl of its shell into a gorgeous motif about how best to look backward in order to move forward.

From Los Angeles Times

Scottish companies including Motif Studios, which worked on visual effects for a Mad Max film, and digital entertainment firm Blazing Griffin were involved in making the three minute-long short film.

From BBC

Kane described his inspiration behind the collection, which utilized the motif of a nebula seen from the Hubble telescope, as “the idea of explosive outwards expansion,” Vogue reported back then.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• concept
• logo
• pattern