motif
Plural: motifs
Noun
- A recurring thematic element, design, or idea in a work.
- a design or figure that consists of recurring shapes or colors, as in architecture or decoration
- a theme that is repeated or elaborated in a piece of music
- a unifying idea that is a recurrent element in literary or artistic work
- A recurring or dominant element; an artistic theme.
- A short melodic or lyrical passage that is repeated in several parts of a work.
- A decorative figure that is repeated in a design or pattern.
- A decorative appliqué design or figure, as of lace or velvet, used in trimming.
- The physical object or objects repeated at each point of a lattice. Usually atoms or molecules.
- A basic element of a move in terms of why the piece moves and how it supports the fulfilment of a stipulation.
- In a nucleotide or aminoacid sequence, pattern that is widespread and has, or is conjectured to have, a biological significance.
Examples
- See how the artist repeats the scroll motif throughout the work?
- The consistent use of ’Q’ words became a MOTIF in his Words With Friends strategy.
Origin / Etymology
From French motif (1848), with the meaning of "main idea or theme". Doublet of motive.
Scrabble Score: 10
motif: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Wordmotif: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
motif: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary
Words With Friends Score: 11
motif: valid Words With Friends Word