MOTIF

motif, motive

(noun) a design or figure that consists of recurring shapes or colors, as in architecture or decoration

theme, motif

(noun) a unifying idea that is a recurrent element in literary or artistic work; “it was the usual ‘boy gets girl’ theme”

motif, motive

(noun) a theme that is repeated or elaborated in a piece of music

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

motif (plural motifs)

A recurring or dominant element; a theme.

(music) A short melodic passage that is repeated in several parts of a work.

A decorative figure that is repeated in a design or pattern.

(dressmaking) A decorative appliqué design or figure, as of lace or velvet, used in trimming.

(crystallography) The physical object or objects repeated at each point of a lattice. Usually atoms or molecules.

(chess) A basic element of a move in terms of why the piece moves and how it supports the fulfilment of a stipulation.

(biochemistry) In a nucleotide or amino-acid sequence, pattern that is widespread and has, or is conjectured to have, a biological significance.

Source: Wiktionary


Mo"tif, n. Etym: [F.]

Definition: Motive.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

3 March 2025

STAND

(verb) hold one’s ground; maintain a position; be steadfast or upright; “I am standing my ground and won’t give in!”


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Coffee Trivia

Coffee is a brewed drink prepared from roasted coffee beans, the seeds of berries from certain Coffea species. When coffee berries turn from green to bright red – indicating ripeness – they are picked, processed, and dried. Dried coffee seeds are roasted to varying degrees, depending on the desired flavor.

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