motif meaning and definition

MOTIF noun

Definition of motif (noun)

1. a design or figure that consists of recurring shapes or colors, as in architecture or decoration
   • synonyms: motive
2. a theme that is repeated or elaborated in a piece of music
   • synonyms: motive
3. a unifying idea that is a recurrent element in literary or artistic work
   • "it was the usual `boy gets girl' theme"
   • synonyms: theme