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

Recurring motifs, including a trio of nondescript dogs that several workshop attendees adopted for their own mugs, adorned various Stringer originals strewn about Backhouse.

From Los Angeles Times

The hand-painted saree with traditional Bengali motifs had the colours of the Palestinian flag on its borders.

From BBC

But the sense of squandered opportunity is only heightened when you get to Don't Look Down - which marries a Bansuri flute motif to a thrumming trance beat.

From BBC

The evergreen perennial’s triangular leaves are tipped with spirals, a primordial motif suggesting life’s eternal cycles.

From Los Angeles Times

With its dense, pyrotechnic lyrics and recurrent musical motifs, “Hamilton,” in particular, seems to grow richer with each hearing.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• concept 
• logo 
• pattern