1. A unifying idea that is a recurrent element in literary or artistic work
   "it was the usual 'boy gets girl' motif";
   - theme
    
2. A design or figure that consists of recurring shapes or colours, as in architecture or decoration
   "The Art Deco building featured a geometric motif throughout its facade";
   - motive
    
3. A theme that is repeated or elaborated in a piece of music
   "The composer wove the recurring motif throughout the symphony";
   - motive

Derived forms: motifs

Type of: design, figure, idea, melodic theme, musical theme, pattern, theme, thought

Encyclopedia: Motif