Motif Definition

mō-tēf
motifs
noun
motifs
A recurrent thematic element in an artistic or literary work.
American Heritage
A main element, idea, feature, etc.
Webster's New World
Webster's New World
A short rhythmic or melodic passage that is repeated or evoked in various parts of a composition.
American Heritage
A repeated figure or design in architecture or decoration.
American Heritage

Other Word Forms of Motif

Noun

Singular:
motif
Plural:
motifs

Origin of Motif

  • From French motif (1848), with the meaning of main idea or theme

    From Wiktionary

  • French from Old French motive motive

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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