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.

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

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.

A motif is a recurring element – an image, object, idea, color, sound, or even a specific type of event – that has symbolic significance in a story. It is not the plot itself, nor the main theme, but something …

Sep 13, 2025 · A motif is a recurring narrative element with symbolic significance. If you spot a symbol, concept, or narrative construction that surfaces repeatedly in the text, you’re probably dealing with a …

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.

A motif is also an idea that appears repeatedly in the work of an artist or in a piece of writing or music.

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

motif, n. meanings, etymology, pronunciation and more in the Oxford English Dictionary