motif
NounUS[moh-teef]/moʊˈtif/2 syllables
Open English WordNet
Noun (3)
- a design or figure that consists of recurring shapes or colors, as in architecture or decorationSynonyms: motiveType of design, pattern
- a theme that is repeated or elaborated in a piece of musicSynonyms: motiveType of theme, melodic themeKinds obbligato, obligato
- a unifying idea that is a recurrent element in literary or artistic work“it was the usual ‘boy gets girl’ theme”Synonyms: themeType of idea, thoughtKinds topos
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incessantadjective
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Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Mo′tif noun
Origin: F.
Motive. archaic
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.
This motif, of old things lost, is a favorite one for the serious ballade.— R. M. Alden.
The design... is... based on the peacock — a motif favored by decorative artists of all ages.— R. D. Benn.
3. Dressmaking A decorative appliqué design or figure, as of lace or velvet, used in trimming; also, a repeated design.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54 · with additions: +PJC, 1913 supplement
Free On-line Dictionary of Computing
Motif
The standard graphical user interface and window manager from OSF, running on the X Window System.