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motif
[moh-teef]
noun
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.
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
a distinctive idea, esp a theme elaborated on in a piece of music, literature, etc
Also: motive. a recurring form or shape in a design or pattern
a single added piece of decoration, such as a symbol or name on a jumper, sweatshirt, etc
motif
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
Example Sentences
The motif of a mad woman has popped up many times in Swift’s lyrics over the years, often as a way for the singer to wrestle with her fame and public image.
A few have Asian-inspired elements like flared or upturned columns or dormers, while others incorporate floral motifs and stained glass.
The artist-turned-filmmaker even incorporates a striking image from one of his oils — that of a translucent horselike creature — as an enigmatic visual motif that proves more ponderous than poetic.
Recurring motifs, including a trio of nondescript dogs that several workshop attendees adopted for their own mugs, adorned various Stringer originals strewn about Backhouse.
The hand-painted saree with traditional Bengali motifs had the colours of the Palestinian flag on its borders.
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