Meaning & use
motif
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Meanings
nouncountable
A repeated image, idea, or theme that appears throughout a work of art, literature, or music.
Grammar: Countable; can be used with 'a' or in the plural.
Patterns
- a motif in something
- a recurring motif
The bird motif appears in several of her paintings.
The novel uses the motif of water to symbolize purification.
The composer weaves a simple motif through the entire symphony.
nouncountable
A distinctive shape or design that is repeated in a decorative pattern.
Grammar: Countable; often used with 'a' or in the plural when talking about patterns.
Patterns
- a floral motif
- a geometric motif
The wallpaper has a floral motif.
The rug features a geometric motif in blue and gold.
The architect used a repeating circular motif on the facade.
Word forms
| plural | motifs |
|---|
Common combinations
- recurring motif
- The recurring motif of the rose appears in every chapter.
- central motif
- The central motif of the poem is the journey home.
- musical motif
- The musical motif is introduced by the violins.
- decorative motif
- The pottery is decorated with a decorative motif of leaves.
Synonyms and how they differ
- theme
- Theme is broader and often refers to the main idea or message of a work, while motif is a specific repeated element that supports the theme.
- pattern
- Pattern emphasizes repetition and regularity, often in visual designs; motif is the specific repeated unit itself.
- subject
- Subject is the main topic or focus of a work, not necessarily repeated; motif is a recurring element.
Word family
- motivic adjective
- Relating to a motif, especially in music.
Commonly confused: motif or motive?
motif vs motive
Motive means a reason for doing something, while motif is a repeated artistic element. They sound similar but have different meanings.
Practice
In the novel, the author uses the ______ of the river to represent the flow of time.
Choose one answer.
Motif fits because it refers to a recurring image or theme in a work. Motive means a reason for action, motion means movement, and motor is a machine.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “motif”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.