MOTIF
What does "MOTIF" mean?
A recurring element, image, or idea that runs through a work of art, music, or literature.
Meanings
- A dominant or repeated theme or idea in a literary, artistic, or musical work. The motif of the locked door returns in every chapter of the novel.
- A short recurring musical phrase or figure. Those four opening notes are the most famous motif in classical music. technical
- A repeated decorative design or pattern. The wallpaper used a leaf motif in muted gold.
Did you know?
- 'Motif' and 'motive' are the same word taking two paths from Latin 'movere', 'to move' - a motif is the recurring element that keeps a work in motion, the way a motive keeps a person moving.
Word origin
From French 'motif', 'motive, theme', from Medieval Latin 'motivus', 'moving', from Latin 'movere', 'to move' - the recurring element that 'moves' a work.
Remember it
A MOTIF MOVES through the work again and again - both grow from Latin 'movere', to move.
A little poem
Four notes at the door -
fate knocks the same shape each time,
louder, then it's you.
haiku
Wordplay
- The composer kept reusing the same little tune. Critics asked for his motive - he said it was right there, a motif.
What it teaches
Meaning is rarely stated once; it is the small thing that keeps coming back until you finally hear it.
Quick facts
What does MOTIF mean?
A recurring element, image, or idea that runs through a work of art, music, or literature.
Is MOTIF a valid word?
Yes — MOTIF is one of the answer words in Wordul, the daily word game.
How many letters is MOTIF?
MOTIF has 5 letters and 2 syllables.
Where does MOTIF come from?
From French 'motif', 'motive, theme', from Medieval Latin 'motivus', 'moving', from Latin 'movere', 'to move' - the recurring element that 'moves' a work.
What can MOTIF teach us?
Meaning is rarely stated once; it is the small thing that keeps coming back until you finally hear it.
How players do
Be the first to solve it.