Motif: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŽจ
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motif

 

[ moสŠหˆtiหf ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

design

A motif is a recurring design or pattern in art or literature.

Synonyms

design, pattern, theme

Examples of usage

  • The motif of the tree of life can be found in many different cultures.
  • The author uses the motif of the color red to symbolize passion and love in the novel.
Context #2 | Noun

music

In music, a motif is a short musical idea or phrase that is repeated and developed throughout a composition.

Synonyms

musical idea, phrase, theme

Examples of usage

  • Beethoven's 5th Symphony is famous for its iconic motif of three short notes followed by one long note.
  • The motif in the first movement is transformed and varied in the later movements of the symphony.
Context #3 | Noun

fashion

In fashion, a motif refers to a decorative element or design that is repeated throughout a garment or collection.

Synonyms

decoration, element, pattern

Examples of usage

  • The designer incorporated a floral motif into the fabric of the dress.
  • The runway show featured a motif of geometric shapes in the clothing.

Translations

Translations of the word "motif" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น motivo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเฅเคฐเฅ‡เคฐเค•

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Motiv

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ motif

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะผะพั‚ะธะฒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ motyw

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅ‹•ๆฉŸ (ใฉใ†ใ)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท motif

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ motivo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท motif

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ชจํ‹ฐํ”„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฏุงูุน

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ motiv

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ motรญv

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅŠจๆœบ (dรฒngjฤซ)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ motiv

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ mรณtรญf

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะผะพั‚ะธะฒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒแƒขแƒ˜แƒ•แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ motiv

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ motivo

Etymology

The word "motif" originated in the late 19th century from the French word motif, meaning 'motive' or 'theme'. It was first used in the context of design and art, referring to a recurring pattern or design element. Over time, the term expanded to music and fashion, where it is used to describe a recurring theme or idea. Today, motif is a widely recognized term in various creative fields.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,342, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.