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 golden hare, given the name Jack, is set with a ruby eye and a body design that includes flowhead motifs, each set with turquoise.

From BBC

“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.

From The Wall Street Journal

They have also been vocal in protecting vulnerable sea turtle species in Mexico and prominently feature sea turtle motifs in their concert set designs.

From Los Angeles Times

A punching bag painted by Basquiat features his signature crown motif atop the words “Mary Boone™.”

From The Wall Street Journal

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.

From BBC

Related Words

• concept
• logo
• pattern