motif

BrE /ˈməʊtɪf/ AmE /ˈmoʊtɪf/

noun en → es

1 DESIGN ELEMENT [singular] B2

a pattern or design used repeatedly in a piece of art, decoration, or clothing

motivo, tema, diseño

  • a motif on something

Collocations motif in a painting · motif on fabric

  • The artist used the same motif throughout the series.

    El artista utilizó el mismo motivo en toda la serie.

2 LITERATURE THEME [singular] C1

a theme or idea that is used repeatedly in a piece of literature, music, or other creative work

tema, motivo literario

  • motif in a book

Collocations motif in a novel · motif in a poem

  • The motif of love and loss is common in his work.

    El tema del amor y la pérdida es común en su obra.