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. Also: motive. 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

Her avant-garde exaggerated ruffles, engulfing puff sleeves and sporadic seafarer motifs have since been fast-tracked into the world of celebrity stylists, red carpets, music video sets and the stages of touring musicians.

From Los Angeles Times

In Newcastle, Joshua Robb, 37, spent a week preparing a six-course Christmas meal for friends, the dinner table dressed with Christmas crackers and printed menus adorned with holly motifs.

From BBC

Amid the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, she painted a mural on a hallway wall that extends into a fabric panel full of flowers and kooky animal motifs reminiscent of her work for Gentle Thrills.

From Los Angeles Times

His complex characters often reflected his personal struggles; his plots touched upon universal motifs, inviting the audience to confront uncomfortable realities through hauntingly beautiful cinema.

From BBC

A giant killer doll and dozens of faceless guards in tracksuits - among other motifs of the deadly games - marched down central Seoul to much fanfare.

From BBC

Related Words

• concept 
• logo 
• pattern