motif

An idea, image, or feature that appears repeatedly in a story or work of art.

• Water is a recurring motif in her paintings.
• The novel uses the motif of a locked door.
• Several motifs connect the stories in this collection.

How to use it: motif in something (Birds are a common motif in his poems.)

Similar words: theme, recurring element

Common phrases: recurring motif, central motif, motif of something

A shape or picture repeated in a decorative design.

• The wallpaper has a leaf motif.
• Small flower motifs decorate the edge of the cloth.
• She chose a geometric motif for the tiles.

Similar words: design, pattern

Common phrases: floral motif, decorative motif, geometric motif

A short tune or group of words repeated in different parts of a piece of music.

• The piano repeats a short motif.
• The opening motif returns near the end.
• She built the song around two simple motifs.

Similar words: musical phrase

Common phrases: musical motif, melodic motif, repeat a motif