motif
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motif
- /moʊˈtiːf/
Rhymes with -iːf
Where it comes from
From French motif (1848), with the meaning of "main idea or theme". Doublet of motive.
noun motifs
- A recurring or dominant element; an artistic theme. See how the artist repeats the scroll motif throughout the work?
- A short melodic or lyrical passage that is repeated in several parts of a work.
- A decorative figure that is repeated in a design or pattern.
- A decorative appliqué design or figure, as of lace or velvet, used in trimming.
- The physical object or objects repeated at each point of a lattice. Usually atoms or molecules.
- A basic element of a move in terms of why the piece moves and how it supports the fulfilment of a stipulation.
- In a nucleotide or aminoacid sequence, pattern that is widespread and has, or is conjectured to have, a biological significance.
Thesaurus
Closest in meaning: theme, motive, leitmotiv, leitmotif, pattern, rationale, purpose, basis, reason, cause, motivation, ground, bona, mantra, reasons, subject
Translations
Every language
noun recurring or dominant element; a theme
| Español | motivo |
|---|---|
| 日本語 | 主題 shudai, モチーフ mochīfu |
| Português | motivo, leitmotiv |
| Français | motif |
| Deutsch | Motiv |
| Ελληνικά | μοτίβο motívo |
| Русский | моти́в motív |
| עברית | מוֹטִיב motív |
noun music: short melodic passage that is repeated in several parts of a work
| Español | motivo |
|---|---|
| 日本語 | 主題 shudai, モチーフ mochīfu |
| Português | motivo |
| Français | motif |
| Deutsch | Motiv |
| Ελληνικά | μοτίβο motívo |
| Русский | моти́в motív |
Talk about this word "motif." Wiktionary, via Micwyn, micwyn.com/word/motif. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026. motif. (n.d.). In Wiktionary, via Micwyn. Retrieved November 6, 2026, from https://micwyn.com/word/motif "motif." Wiktionary, via Micwyn. Accessed November 6, 2026. https://micwyn.com/word/motif.Cite this
@misc{motif_2026,
title = {motif},
howpublished = {Wiktionary, via Micwyn},
year = {2026},
url = {https://micwyn.com/word/motif},
urldate = {2026-11-06}
}
