Motif

Pronunciation: /moʊˈtiːf/

Definitions of motif

noun a recurring theme, subject, or idea in a literary work or piece of art

Example Sentences

A1 The motif of love is prevalent throughout the story.

A2 The author uses the motif of nature to symbolize freedom.

B1 The film director cleverly weaves the motif of redemption into the plot.

B2 The artist's use of color as a motif creates a sense of unity in the painting.

C1 The motif of power dynamics is a central theme in the novel.

C2 The playwright skillfully incorporates the motif of betrayal into the dialogue.

Examples of motif in a Sentence

formal The motif of love and sacrifice is prevalent throughout the novel.

informal The repeated motif of butterflies symbolizes transformation in the story.

slang That graffiti artist always tags his signature motif on the walls around town.

figurative The motif of darkness creeping in symbolizes the protagonist's inner turmoil.

Grammatical Forms of motif

• past tense: motifed
• plural: motifs
• comparative: more motif
• superlative: most motif
• present tense: motifs
• future tense: will motif
• perfect tense: have motifed
• continuous tense: is motifing
• singular: motif
• positive degree: motif
• infinitive: to motif
• gerund: motifing
• participle: motifed

Origin and Evolution of motif

First Known Use: 1800 year

Language of Origin: French

Story behind the word: The word 'motif' originated from the French language, derived from the Old French term 'motif' meaning 'a theme or subject'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, 'motif' has come to be widely used in various fields such as art, literature, and music to refer to a recurring theme, pattern, or element that carries symbolic significance within a work.