motif

[moh-teef] /moʊˈtif/

noun

a recurring subject, theme, idea, etc., especially in a literary, artistic, or musical work.

a distinctive and recurring form, shape, figure, etc., in a design, as in a painting or on wallpaper.

a dominant idea or feature:

the profit motif of free enterprise.

Origin

1840-50; < French; see motive

Examples from the web for motif

Paintings generally utilize a theme and variation compositional motif.
Among nature motifs, feathers have a more decorative feel than coral or botanicals.
That motif is quite simply an image of a woman swooning in her partner's arms.
This motif resurrects itself several times, but it's not the main theme.
The freedom songs are a powerful motif in your book.
Blended, with enchanting floral motif predominating in softly muted shades.
Simple living is the motif.
Sounds like a Greek motif, food-wise anyway.
The Lincoln motif, on the other hand, feels novelistic and artificial.
Her first banner, a double appliqued pineapple motif, sold immediately.

British Dictionary definitions for motif

motif

/məʊˈtiːf/

noun

a distinctive idea, esp a theme elaborated on in a piece of music, literature, etc

Also motive. a recurring form or shape in a design or pattern

a single added piece of decoration, such as a symbol or name on a jumper, sweatshirt, etc

Word Origin

C19: from French. See motive

Word Origin and History for motif

"theme, predominant feature," 1848, from French motif "dominant idea, theme" (see motive).

motif in Culture

motif [(moh-teef)]

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.

motif in Technology

The standard graphical user interface and window manager from OSF, running on the X Window System.