motif

moh-TEEF

moʊˈtiːf

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Syllable breakdown

motif

Sounds like

Rhymes with 'leaf' not 'waif'.

Dictionary meaning

A recurring element or theme in artistic work.

History and origin

French — 'cause, motive'.

Examples

The floral motif appeared throughout the designer's entire spring collection.

Common mispronunciations

MOH-tifMOH-teef

People also look up

or-DERV

RON-day-voo

BOOR-zhwah

kruh-SAHNT (UK) / kruh-SAHNT (US)

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