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- Dictionarymo·tif/mōˈtēf/
noun
- 1. a decorative design or pattern: "T-shirts featuring spiral motifs" Similar
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The meaning of MOTIF is a usually recurring salient thematic element (as in the arts); especially : a dominant idea or central theme. How to use motif in a sentence. What exactly is a motif? And how is it different from a leitmotif?
a recurring subject, theme, idea, etc., especially in a literary, artistic, or musical work. a distinctive and recurring form, shape, figure, etc., in a design, as in a painting or on wallpaper. a dominant idea or feature: Pulmonary problems were a grim motif in his life.
MOTIF definition: 1. a pattern or design: 2. an idea that is used many times in a piece of writing or music: 3. a…. Learn more.
In art, a motif is a design or pattern that repeats in different parts of an artwork, or in different works by the same artist. While these additional meanings of motif are useful to know, motifs in literature function differently and have a slightly more specific meaning.
Think about a pattern or design that moves throughout something when you hear motif. Have you ever been to a restaurant with a tropical or Wild West motif? Do you like dresses with a floral motif? In novels, a motif can be a recurring idea like revenge or an object that symbolizes an idea.
noun. 1. a recurring subject, theme, idea, etc., esp. 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. the profit motif of free enterprise.
MOTIF meaning: 1 : something (such as an important idea or subject) that is repeated throughout a book, story, etc.; 2 : a single or repeated design or pattern.
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. 4.
Definition of motif noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
Motif Definition. Motif is an object or idea that repeats itself throughout a literary work. Motif and Theme. In a literary work, a motif can be seen as an image, sound, action, or other figures that has a symbolic significance, and contributes toward the development of a theme.
