leitmotif

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/ˈlaɪt.moʊ.tiːf/
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A recurring musical or artistic theme that carries meaning.
Practice using leitmotif in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • The critic identified a visual leitmotif in each scene.
  • Hope remained a leitmotif of the speech.
  • Each character has a distinct leitmotif.
  • Her melody becomes a leitmotif for the hero.
  • The image of water becomes a leitmotif in her films.

Similar words

recurring musical motif
recurring theme

Meanings

Recurring musical theme

noun
music
technical
A short melody repeated in a work of music and associated with a person, thing or idea.

Examples

  • Her melody becomes a leitmotif for the hero.
  • The composer repeats the leitmotif in the final act.
  • A short leitmotif announces the villain.
  • The brass section plays the leitmotif softly.
  • Each character has a distinct leitmotif.

Similar words

recurring musical motif

Recurring idea or image

noun
arts
neutral
An idea, phrase or image that appears repeatedly across a work of art or writing.

Examples

  • Exile is a leitmotif throughout the novel.
  • The image of water becomes a leitmotif in her films.
  • A leitmotif of loss connects the poems.
  • The critic identified a visual leitmotif in each scene.
  • Hope remained a leitmotif of the speech.

Similar words

recurring theme

Etymology

From German Leitmotiv, made of leit- meaning leading and Motiv meaning motif.

FAQ

What does leitmotif mean?

A leitmotif is a recurring musical phrase or wider artistic theme.

When is leitmotif used?

In music it can identify a character or idea.

How does leitmotif differ from recurring theme?

A recurring theme is any repeated idea, while a musical leitmotif can be a tune tied to a person.

How is leitmotif used in a sentence?

A short leitmotif announces the villain.

Is leitmotif formal?

It is a specialist arts word, but also appears in general criticism.

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