MOTIF • DICTIONARY ONE.COM • Definition of Motif

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/moʊtˈif/ Listen

noun

Motif n.

Motive. (archaic)

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." "The design... is... based on the peacock a motif favored by decorative artists of all ages."

(Dressmaking) A decorative appliqué design or figure, as of lace or velvet, used in trimming; also, a repeated design.

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Etymology of 'Motif'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Motif" Quotes from Famous Books

... frequently married by their patrons, it is believed that not a few women from "special villages" are taken to wife without their origin being known. Unwitting marriage with an Eta woman has long been a common motif in fiction and folk story. Many members of the "special tribes" go to Hokkaido and there pass into the general body of the population. The folk of this class are "despised," I was told by a responsible ...

— The Foundations of Japan • J.W. Robertson Scott

... were speaking at each other, which served to block our friendship from becoming anything of value to each other. Naturally I have seen that you are not happy, though there have been moments when you were the very personification of light-hearted ness, and I have known for a long time that the motif of your whole nature is resentment. Believe me, Miss Durwent, if I could be a friend—and I mean that to the last ditch—I should be ...

— The Parts Men Play • Arthur Beverley Baxter

... of a pretty young English matron, or of any other subject that the advertiser had chosen for its association with the emotions of trust or affection. When music plays a larger part in English public education it may be possible to use it effectively for advertisement, and a 'Parramatta Motif' would in that case appear in all the pantomimes, in connection, say, with a song about the Soldier's Return, and would be squeaked by a ...

— Human Nature In Politics - Third Edition • Graham Wallas

... feel, have they had fit rendition. While I line the verse, sing them again to Sister Mayberry, child, that her ears may be rejoiced with mine." And Mother Mayberry caught at the top of the gate as the girl slipped the nodding baby down into her arms and in her wonderful muted voice hummed the Grail motif while the Deacon raised his thin old hands ...

— The Road to Providence • Maria Thompson Daviess

... was tried (the Valhalla motif). At first it seemed to produce the opposite effect, for the pulse was lowered. Later it rose to a rate double the normal, and the tension was diminished. The impression described by the subject afterward ...

— Complete Hypnotism: Mesmerism, Mind-Reading and Spiritualism • A. Alpheus

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