Leitmotif: meaning, definitions and examples

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leitmotif

 

[ หˆlสŒษชtหŒmoสŠtษชf ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

musical theme

A leitmotif is a recurring musical theme associated with a particular character, place, or idea in a composition, particularly in operas and film scores. It serves to unify the narrative and provide emotional context through music.

Synonyms

gesture, motive, theme

Examples of usage

  • The leitmotif of the main character played whenever they appeared on stage.
  • In film, the composer used a leitmotif to signify danger.
  • The audience recognized the leitmotif connected to love scenes.

Translations

Translations of the word "leitmotif" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น leitmotiv

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฒเฅ€เคŸเคฎเฅ‹เคซ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Leitmotiv

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ leitmotif

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะปะตะนั‚ะผะพั‚ะธะฒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ leitmotiv

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒฌใ‚คใƒˆใƒขใƒ†ใ‚ฃใƒผใƒ•

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท leitmotiv

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ leitmotiv

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท leitmotif

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ ˆ์ดํŠธ๋ชจํ‹ฐํ”„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู„ูŠุชู…ูˆุชูŠู

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ leitmotiv

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ leitmotiv

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ไธปๅฏผๅŠจๆœบ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ leitmotiv

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ leitmotif

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะปะตะนั‚ะผะพั‚ะธะฒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒšแƒ”แƒ˜แƒขแƒ›แƒแƒขแƒ˜แƒ•แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ leitmotiv

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ leitmotiv

Etymology

The term 'leitmotif' comes from the German words 'leit' meaning 'leading' or 'guiding' and 'Motif' meaning 'theme' or 'motive.' It was first used in the context of music and composition in the 19th century, particularly associated with the works of composer Richard Wagner. Wagner's operas often featured these recurring themes to symbolize different characters and ideas, allowing audiences to connect more deeply with the narrative. Over time, the concept has been adapted and utilized in various forms of media, including film and television, where composers use leitmotifs to develop and enhance storytelling. The use of leitmotifs creates a richer auditory experience and emphasizes emotional and thematic elements within a work.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,699 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.