'Motif' definitions:
Definition of 'motif'
From: WordNet
noun
A design or figure that consists of recurring shapes or colors, as in architecture or decoration [syn: motif, motive]
noun
A theme that is repeated or elaborated in a piece of music [syn: motif, motive]
noun
A unifying idea that is a recurrent element in literary or artistic work; "it was the usual `boy gets girl' theme" [syn: theme, motif]
Definition of 'Motif'
From: GCIDE
- Motif \Mo"tif\, n. [F.] Motive. [archaic] [1913 Webster]
- 2. In literature and the fine arts, a salient feature or element of a composition or work; esp., the theme, or central or dominant feature; specif. (Music), a motive[3]. See also leitmotif. [Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC]
- This motif, of old things lost, is a favorite one for the serious ballade. --R. M. Alden. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
- The design . . . is . . . based on the peacock -- a motif favored by decorative artists of all ages. --R. D. Benn. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
- 3. (Dressmaking) A decorative appliqu['e] design or figure, as of lace or velvet, used in trimming; also, a repeated design. [Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC]
Synonyms of 'motif'
From: Moby 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