motif

American  

[moh-teef] / moʊˈtif /

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.

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motif British  

/ 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

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motif Cultural  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of motif

First recorded in 1840–50; from French; motive

Example Sentences

The process allows for the creation of 1,2,3,5-substituted adducts, structural motifs commonly found in natural products such as heitziamide A.

From Science Daily

A geriatric care worker in her late 50s, she is looking for a design in a particular shade of baby pink with a dull gold paisley motif.

From BBC

Dressed in her trademark white suit with dragon motifs, Gu was first to go on Thursday and appeared to be in control during her first run.

From Barron's

Two weeks before the show, young seamstresses were crocheting floral motifs in mohair and Japanese metallic thread at a south London studio overlooking the Thames river and Big Ben.

From Barron's

With scents like Moonlit Masquerade and Raspberry Rendezvous—and emblazoned with floral motifs instantly recognizable to “Bridgerton” fans—the show’s aesthetics propelled sales.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• concept
• logo
• pattern