Speakur

Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

motif

/moʊˈtiːf/

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 3.40 in modern English

Syllables
mo-tif
IPA
/moʊˈtiːf/
10
Scrabble Score
5
Letters
2
Syllables
5
Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

A recurring or dominant element; an artistic theme.

noun

A short melodic or lyrical passage that is repeated in several parts of a work.

noun

A decorative figure that is repeated in a design or pattern.

noun

A decorative appliqué design or figure, as of lace or velvet, used in trimming.

noun

The physical object or objects repeated at each point of a lattice. Usually atoms or molecules.

noun

A basic element of a move in terms of why the piece moves and how it supports the fulfilment of a stipulation.

noun

In a nucleotide or aminoacid sequence, pattern that is widespread and has, or is conjectured to have, a biological significance.

Example Sentences

Etymology

From French motif (1848), with the meaning of "main idea or theme". Doublet of motive.

Origin

Word Breakdown

  • Root: *m(y)ewh₁-, motif

Inflected Forms

motifs (plural)

Derived Forms

antimotif biomotif intermotif minimotif motifeme motific motifless motivic pseudomotif submotif supermotif

Phrases

BACH motif network motif

Frequently Paired Words

motive phosphomotif leitmotif motify

Synonyms

motive theme

Rhymes With

chief relief brief belief beef leaf grief thief reef disbelief sharif bas-relief

Questions

How do you pronounce motif?
The recorded pronunciation is /moʊˈtiːf/.
What does motif mean?
A recurring or dominant element; an artistic theme.
Where does motif come from?
It is traced to French.

How to pronounce motif

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “motif”.
  2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/moʊˈtiːf/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
  3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “motif”.
  4. Repeat and practice — Say “motif” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.