Meaning & use
Leitmotiv
Last updated
A recurring theme or musical phrase associated with a particular character, idea, or situation, especially in opera.
See it in a sentence
Wagner assigned each major character a distinct leitmotiv that returns throughout the opera.
The film's composer used a haunting leitmotiv to signal the villain's approach.
A note on using this word
Leitmotiv is a variant spelling of 'leitmotif,' borrowed from German 'Leitmotiv,' literally 'leading motif.'
Words with a similar meaning
motifrecurring theme
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