motif etymology

Etymology

The word "motif" is derived from the French word "motif," which in turn comes from the Latin word "motivus," meaning "moving."

Meaning

A motif is a recurring element or pattern that is used to create a sense of unity or cohesion in a work of art, literature, or music. Motifs can be visual, auditory, or thematic, and they can be used to create a variety of effects, such as:

• Emphasis: A motif can be used to draw attention to a particular element or idea.
• Unity: A motif can be used to create a sense of unity or cohesion between different parts of a work.
• Development: A motif can be used to develop or expand upon a theme or idea.
• Characterization: A motif can be used to develop or characterize a particular character.
• Symbolism: A motif can be used to symbolize a particular idea or concept.

Origin

The use of motifs in art and literature dates back to ancient times. In the Iliad, for example, Homer uses the motif of the "wrath of Achilles" to create a sense of tension and suspense. In the Middle Ages, motifs were often used in religious art to symbolize different aspects of the Christian faith. In the Renaissance, motifs were used in painting and sculpture to create a sense of harmony and balance. In the 19th century, motifs were used in literature and music to create a sense of atmosphere and mood.

Today, motifs are still used in a variety of creative works, including:

• Art: Motifs can be used to create a sense of unity in a painting, sculpture, or drawing.
• Literature: Motifs can be used to develop characters, create a setting, or explore a theme.
• Music: Motifs can be used to create a sense of rhythm, melody, or harmony.

In all of these forms, motifs can be used to create a powerful and lasting impact on the reader, listener, or viewer.

motif relate terms

• motive

  Etymology Latin mōtīvus from mōtus movement motion Proto Indo European meu

• commotion

  Etymology From Middle English commocioun from Anglo Norman French commocioun from Lat

• emotion

  Etymology The word emotion derives from the Latin word emovere which means to move

• Mobile

  Etymology The word mobile comes from the Latin word mobilis which means movable o

• moment

  Etymology Derived from Latin momentum meaning movement impetus or weight Originate

• momentary

  Etymology Medieval Latin momentarius lasting only a moment Latin momentum an in

• momentous

  Etymology The word momentous comes from the Latin momentum meaning movement or im

• momentum

  Etymology The word momentum is derived from the Latin word momentum which means mov

• motif

  Etymology The word motif is derived from the French word motif which in turn comes f

• motility

  Etymology Motility derives from the Latin word motilitas which is derived from the ve

• motion

  Etymology The word motion comes from the Latin word motus which means movement or

• motive

  Etymology Latin mōtīvus from mōtus movement motion Proto Indo European meu

• moto

  Etymology Derived from the Italian word moto which means movement or motion M

• move

  Etymology The word move is derived from the Middle English muven which in turn came

• movement

  Etymology origin of the word movement Latin movere movere Proto Indo European m

• mutiny

  Etymology and Meaning of Mutiny The term mutiny originates from the Latin word motus m

• premotion

  Premotion Etymology The word premotion is derived from the Latin præmōtiō meaning

• promote

  Promote Etymology Derived from the Middle French promouvoir meaning to advance or

• remote

  Etymology The word remote comes from the Latin remotus meaning far away Meaning

• remove

  flower part of speech noun definition the reproductive structure of a seed bearing pla

• theme

  Etymology The word theme derives from the Greek word thema θέμα which means s

• lozenge

  Etymology The word lozenge comes from the Old French word losange which in turn come

• evil

  Etymology The word evil is derived from the Old English word yfel which in turn is d

• stoop

  Etymology The word stoop has Old English origins deriving ultimately from the Proto Ge

• thought

  Etymology The word thought comes from the Old English word thoht which means mind

• design

  Etymology Design comes from the Middle English word desiner which is derived from th

• figure

  Etymology The word figure comes from the Latin word figura which means shape for

• idea

  Etymology The word idea is derived from the Greek word idein ἰδεῖν meaning

• pattern

  Etymology The word pattern is derived from the Middle French word patron meaning