Motif — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /mō-ˈtēf/ mo·tif

Meaning & Definition of Motif

Motif (noun)

  1. a usually recurring salient thematic element (as in the arts); especially, a dominant idea or central theme
  2. a single or repeated design or color
  3. a distinctive, usually recurrent, molecular sequence (as of amino acids or base pairs) or structural element (as of secondary protein structures)

Motif (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a major object of interest or concern (as in a discussion or artistic composition)

    "the motif of mute figures standing in lonely isolation is a recurrent one in the artist's works"

    similar: content, matter, motive, question, subject, theme, topic
    related: subject matter, talking point, count, idea, point, purpose, consideration, issue, problem, body, bulk, burden, centerpiece, core, crux, essence, fundamental, generality, gist, grist, heart, kernel, keynote, main, marrow, mass, net, nub, nubbin, nucleus, pith, pivot, purport, quick, staple, substance, sum, basis, bottom, essential, essentiality, affair, argument, debate
    near: aside, digression, excursion, interjection, parenthesis, tangent

  2. a unit of decoration that is repeated all over something (as a fabric)

    "the fabric for the upholstery features a scallop shell motif"

    similar: design, figure, motive, pattern
    related: scheme, device, adornment, caparison, decoration, embellishment, frill, garnish, ornament, trim

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Motif

The most common words with a similar meaning to Motif:

content, matter, motive, question, subject, theme, topic, design, figure, pattern

Related Words for Motif

subject matter, talking point, count, idea, point, purpose, consideration, issue, problem, body, bulk, burden, centerpiece, core, crux, essence, fundamental, generality, gist, grist, heart, kernel, keynote, main, marrow, mass, net, nub, nubbin, nucleus

Near Antonyms of Motif

aside, digression, excursion, interjection, parenthesis, tangent

Word Forms of Motif

Derived words: motific (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Motif

French, motive, motif, from Middle French motive

First known use: 1848

Frequently Asked Questions about Motif

What does "Motif" mean?

"Motif" means a usually recurring salient thematic element (as in the arts); especially, a dominant idea or central theme. As a noun, it is defined as: a usually recurring salient thematic element (as in the arts); especially, a dominant idea or central theme. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Motif"?

Other words for "Motif" include content, matter, motive, question, subject, theme, topic and design. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Motif" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Motif"?

There are 64 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Motif". Common alternatives include content, matter, motive, question, subject, theme, topic, design, figure and pattern.

How do you use "Motif" in a sentence?

Examples of "Motif" in a sentence: "the motif of mute figures standing in lonely isolation is a recurrent one in the artist's works"; "the fabric for the upholstery features a scallop shell motif".

Is "Motif" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Motif" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Motif"?

"Motif" is pronounced /mō-ˈtēf/ and divided into syllables as mo·tif.

What is the origin of the word "Motif"?

"Motif" comes from French, motive, motif, from Middle French motive. First known use: 1848.

What is another word for "Motif" meaning "a major object of interest or concern (as in a discussion or artistic composition)"?

When "Motif" (noun) means a major object of interest or concern (as in a discussion or artistic composition), synonyms include content, matter, motive, question, subject and theme.