Motiv — meaning in English

English meaning

• motif noun A recurring idea, image, or element that runs through a work of art, music, or literature.
• motive noun A reason that drives someone to act, especially in a suspicious or criminal context.
• riff noun A short, repeated musical phrase, especially in rock or jazz.
• theme noun The main subject or topic of a talk, book, or piece of art.

Senses

Motiv is used for these senses in English:

• motif A decorative figure that is repeated in a design or pattern.
• motive (law) Something which causes someone to want to commit a crime; a reason for criminal behaviour. [from 18th c.]
• riff A repeated melody line in a song, usually instrumental but sometimes vocal.
• theme A recurring idea; a motif.

motif — full definition

1. noun A recurring idea, image, or element that runs through a work of art, music, or literature.
2. noun A repeated decorative shape or pattern used in design.

motive — full definition

1. noun A reason that drives someone to act, especially in a suspicious or criminal context.
2. adj Causing or producing movement.

Related German words