Bebe Moore Campbell Nancy BerlinerJessa NettingAlan E. Guttmacher and Francis S. Collins
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What exactly is a motif? And how is it different from a leitmotif?
In works of art, a motif is an important and noticeable element or feature that typically appears throughout the work. It can relate to the theme, or it can be the dominant or central idea itself. Concepts like betrayal and forgiveness can be motifs, for example, but so can particular images and sounds, such as trees or bells. Motif is also commonly applied in design, where it typically refers to a single or repeated pattern or color. A piece of fabric might have a floral motif; a room may have a black and white motif.
Motif can also appear in scientific contexts, especially in biochemistry, where it refers to a distinctive molecular sequence or structural element that is usually recurrent.
Leitmotif (also and formerly more commonly spelled leitmotiv) has its origins in opera, and is especially associated with Wagnerian opera. The word is from the German words leit and Motif, which translate respectively as "leading" and "motive." In opera, a leitmotif is a recurring melody that accompanies the reappearance of an idea, person, or situation. The term is now applied in other kinds of music, sometimes with a meaning very close to the original: "The Imperial March" that is heard in the Star Wars film franchise whenever Darth Vader appears on screen, for example, is a modern example of leitmotif.
Leitmotif also has extended use that treads the same territory as motif. It's not a common word, but when it is applied it often refers to a dominant recurring theme, as when an image consistently used in an artist's works is described as a leitmotif. Note that some people object when leitmotif is modified by a word like main or dominant, on the grounds that since German leit means "leading" the phrase is redundant. English speakers using leitmotif in English, however, may choose to ignore the objection since leit does not mean "leading" in English.
Synonyms
Examples of motif in a Sentence
People, 29 July 2002
In retrospect, it is now clear that the alien invasion motif in 1950s science fiction movies reflected the Cold War atmosphere of the period.
—Paul A. Cantor, Gilligan Unbound, 2001
The first-class scowl, shaved head and scars on his right shoulder and biceps fit the tough-guy motif, but it's a facade.
—Ric Bucher, ESPN, 28 May 2001
The branding is done by combining a commercial trademark with one or another subcultural motif, a subculture the buyer belongs to or wants to join: surfing, skateboarding, …
—John Seabrook, New Yorker, 20 Sept. 1999
The wallpaper has a flower motif.
the motif of mute figures standing in lonely isolation is a recurrent one in the artist's works
Lane Sainty, The Arizona Republic, 3 Nov. 2024
Gold and Green Christmas Plates For a classic Christmas table, pull in a host of pretty red, green, and holiday motifs.
—Sandra S. Soria, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Nov. 2024
The necklaces, rings, bracelets and earrings display key motifs from the story, like witch hats, hot air balloons, butterflies, wands and potion bottles.
—Erin Lassner, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Nov. 2024
His father donated a collection of Hiroshi Sugimoto photographs that hang throughout the restaurant in conversation with Japanese design motifs.
—Caroline Hatchett, Robb Report, 1 Nov. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Motif.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motif. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
motif
noun
Medical Definition
motif
noun
Jessa Netting, Science NewsAlan E. Guttmacher and Francis S. Collins, The New England Journal of Medicine
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