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

He sports a feather Rudy gave him; eagles will be a motif in his storyline.

From Los Angeles Times

This recurring motif may or may not be an apt metaphor for her outlook on life – predators are always waiting to pounce on what’s hers.

From Salon

Along the way, she visits strange and mystical worlds packed with nods to Southern Gothic motifs and the complicated, real-life history of the region.

From BBC

"Removing old failing plaster to find these remarkable motifs and faces looking back at us is a moment we will never forget."

From BBC

You know she’s the central character because she’s the one who gets all the flashbacks, rendered in the customary sepia tones, each introduced by a sort of heartbeat motif on the soundtrack.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• concept
• logo
• pattern