In works of art, a motif is an important and noticeable element or feature that typically appears throughout the work. It can relate to the theme, or it can be the dominant or central idea itself.

MOTIF definition: 1. a pattern or design: 2. an idea that is used many times in a piece of writing or music: 3. a…. Learn more.

A motif is an element or idea that recurs throughout a work of literature. Motifs, which are often collections of related symbols, help develop the central themes of a book or play.

Motif definition: a recurring subject, theme, idea, etc., especially in a literary, artistic, or musical work.. See examples of MOTIF used in a sentence.

Generally, a motif is a recurring element or theme in a work of art or media. Motif may refer to:

Sep 13, 2025 · A motif in literature is something that's often analyzed, yet easily muddled. In this guide, we'll define exactly what is a motif using 10 helpful examples!

Motif and theme are linked in a literary work, but there is a difference between them. In a literary piece, a motif is a recurrent image, idea, or symbol that develops or explains a theme, while a …

Definition of motif noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

A motif is a theme or idea that is frequently repeated throughout a piece of literature or music. Shipwrecks are a recurring motif in her writings.

What Is the Definition of a Motif? Originating from the French word for “motive,” “pattern,” and “figure,” a motif is a recurring idea, meaning, or concept within a composition.