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

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

The findings also show that the mosaic incorporates decorative motifs that had been circulating around the Mediterranean for centuries.

From Science Daily

Dressed in a white suit featuring Chinese dragon motifs, she punched the air and smiled as she drifted to a halt at the bottom of the course.

From Barron's

Dressed in a white suit featuring Chinese dragon motifs, Gu punched the air and smiled as she drifted to a halt.

From Barron's

These include motifs of a horse and corgi, references to art and theatre to mark "her enduring support for culture", as well as some of her favourite flowers - roses and lily of the valley.

From BBC

Related Words

• concept
• logo
• pattern