Motif

Noun

 * 1) A recurring or dominant element; a theme.
 * See how the artist repeats the scroll motif throughout the work?
 * 1)  A short melodic passage that is repeated in several parts of a work
 * 2) A decorative figure that is repeated in a design
 * 3)  The physical object or objects repeated at each point of a lattice.  Usually atoms or molecules.

Thesaurus
action, anagnorisis, angle, architectonics, architecture, argument, atmosphere, background, background detail, basis, beading, binding, bordering, bordure, burden, case, catastrophe, chapter, characterization, color, complication, concept, concern, continuity, contrivance, convention, decoration, decorative composition, decorative style, denouement, design, detail, development, device, edging, element, episode, essence, fable, falling action, figure, fimbria, fimbriation, flounce, focus of attention, focus of interest, foil, foreground detail, form, frill, frilling, fringe, furbelow, galloon, gimmick, gist, head, heading, hem, idea, incident, issue, leitmotif, leitmotiv, line, list, living issue, local color, main point, matter, matter in hand, meat, mood, motive, movement, mythos, national style, ornament, ornamental motif, pattern, period style, peripeteia, phrase, plan, plot, point, point at issue, point in question, problem, question, recognition, refrain, repeated figure, rising action, rubric, ruffle, scheme, secondary plot, selvage, setting, skirting, slant, story, structure, style, subject, subject matter, subject of thought, subplot, substance, switch, text, thematic development, theme, tone, topic, touch, trimming, twist, valance, welt

Etymology
From French motif (1848), with the meaning of main idea or theme

Pronunciation
(mō-tēf́)

Translations

 * Czech:
 * French:
 * German:


 * Japanese: 主題 (shudai), モチーフ (mochīfu)
 * Russian:
 * Scottish Gaelic:


 * French:
 * German:


 * Japanese: 主題 (shudai), モチーフ (mochīfu)
 * Russian:


 * French:
 * German:


 * Japanese:
 * Russian:

Related terms

 * motive

Noun

 * 1) motive
 * 2) pattern, design
 * 1) pattern, design
 * 1) pattern, design

Etymology
From motivus.