Advertisement
Advertisement
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
“Jaws,” released in America two years earlier, is still playing in the city of Recife, and the use of the toothy fish as a recurring motif suggests all norms are on hold while sharks rule.
They have also been vocal in protecting vulnerable sea turtle species in Mexico and prominently feature sea turtle motifs in their concert set designs.
A punching bag painted by Basquiat features his signature crown motif atop the words “Mary Boone™.”
The painting shows Lederer, an heiress and the daughter of one of Klimt's patrons, wearing a white robe and stood in front of a blue tapestry covered in Asian motifs.
The piece depicts the daughter of Klimt's main patron dressed in a white imperial Chinese dress, standing before a blue tapestry with Asian-inspired motifs.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Browse
