motif

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a design or figure that consists of recurring shapes or colors, as in architecture or decoration
  2. noun a theme that is repeated or elaborated in a piece of music
  3. noun a unifying idea that is a recurrent element in literary or artistic work

Etymology

From French motif (1848), with the meaning of "main idea or theme". Doublet of motive.

In classic literature

Synonyms

motive

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