noun
leitmotif
Leitmotif (noun) means a tune linked to one character, place or idea, repeated through an opera.
noun
1
A tune linked to one character, place or idea, repeated through an opera.
"In Wagner's operas, especially his cycle of four operas known collectively as the Ring cycle, the leitmotif did not simply label or point to one particular character or object but rather conjured up a realm of ideas."
— Michael Slowik, After the Silents (2014)
2
A theme or idea that keeps coming back.
"If one looks for a pattern in the political life of John Connally, one finds a leitmotif of scandals which threatened but never destroyed his career."
— Aaron Latham, John Connally on the Comeback Road (1975)
"Such language about an American president from a European ally would have been unthinkable before Mr. Trump made outrage the leitmotif of his presidency, along with an assault on truth."
— Roger Cohen, Trump Bequeaths Biden an Upended World (2021)
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Etymology
From German Leitmotiv (“leading motif”), from leiten (“to lead”) + Motiv (“motif”), originally used to describe Wagnerian opera. The spelling was influenced by motif.
Synonyms
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leitmotiv
Rhymes for leitmotif
See all rhymes for leitmotif →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of leitmotif?
"leitmotif" (noun) means a tune linked to one character, place or idea, repeated through an opera.
What is another word for leitmotif?
Other words for "leitmotif" include leitmotiv.
What are the different meanings of leitmotif?
"leitmotif" has 2 main meanings: 1. A tune linked to one character, place or idea, repeated through an opera; 2. A theme or idea that keeps coming back.
