motif
Pattern that repeats
A motif is a recurring element that forms a pattern—in art, music, literature, or design.
A floral motif might appear throughout wallpaper or fabric.
In storytelling, a motif is an image, phrase, or idea that returns to reinforce theme: the motif of water and drowning runs through the novel.
In music, a motif is a short melodic or rhythmic figure that recurs and develops.
Central recurring concept
- recurrenceReturn of something previous
- symbolismRepresenting concepts through images
- allegorySymbolic tale with deeper meaning
- metaphorImplied identity comparison
archetype · imagery · foreshadowing · echo · thread · undercurrent · subtext · narrative thread
Words forming partial meaning
- themeCentral recurring concept
- variationChange from a norm
- refrainAbstain from acting
- riffRepeated musical phrase
ostinato · Wagner · Ring Cycle · signature tune · recurring theme · Wagnerian · score · orchestration
Do or say again
- tessellationGapless plane coverage
- geometricRelating to mathematical shapes
- floralOf or like blooms
- stripeContrasting linear marking
chevron · herringbone · plaid · lattice · interlace · grid · spiral · meander
Representational sign or device
- iconPictorial screen symbol
- totemSpiritual clan symbol
- insigniaDistinguishing mark of rank
- representationDepiction or likeness
connotation · portent · omen · allegory · figurative · hallmark · signature · token
Flowing ornamental design
- scrollworkSpiral ornamental design
- filigreeDelicate twisted-wire ornamentation
- traceryDecorative branching stonework
- embroideryDecorative stitching on fabric
brocade · damask · toile · tapestry · stencil · inlay · marquetry · mosaic
Original model for copies
- tricksterCunning deceiver in myth
- hero's journeyUniversal story pattern
- questSeeking journey for something
- transformationThorough change in form
flood · creation · underworld · rebirth · sacrifice · prophecy · chosen one · forbidden knowledge
theme
Central recurring concept
- recurrenceReturn of something previous
- symbolismRepresenting concepts through images
- allegorySymbolic tale with deeper meaning
metaphor · archetype · imagery · foreshadowing · echo · thread · undercurrent · subtext · narrative thread · throughline
phrase
Words forming partial meaning
riff · ostinato · Wagner · Ring Cycle · signature tune · recurring theme · Wagnerian · score · orchestration · cell
repeat
Do or say again
- tessellationGapless plane coverage
- geometricRelating to mathematical shapes
- floralOf or like blooms
stripe · chevron · herringbone · plaid · lattice · interlace · grid · spiral · meander · zigzag
emblem
Representational sign or device
representation · connotation · portent · omen · allegory · figurative · hallmark · signature · token · cipher
arabesque
Flowing ornamental design
- scrollworkSpiral ornamental design
- filigreeDelicate twisted-wire ornamentation
- traceryDecorative branching stonework
embroidery · brocade · damask · toile · tapestry · stencil · inlay · marquetry · mosaic · gilding
archetype
Original model for copies
- tricksterCunning deceiver in myth
- hero's journeyUniversal story pattern
- questSeeking journey for something
transformation · flood · creation · underworld · rebirth · sacrifice · prophecy · chosen one · forbidden knowledge · divine punishment
- embroiderycross stitch, cross-stitch, French knot, needlepoint, crewelwork
- needleworkcross-stitch, embroidery, embroidery hoop, embroidery hoops, needlepoint
- ornamental patternsfiligree, lacework, scrollwork, arabesque, fretwork
- myth analysisstructuralism, functionalism, archetype, archetypes, monomyth
- textual analysistextual analysis, exegesis, explication, annotation, close reading
- literaturebooks, book, fiction, poetry, stories
motifone-off
Singular, unrepeated instance
anomaly · singularity · aberration · exception · fluke
motifdigression
Veering off topic
tangent · aside · parenthesis · excursion · interjection
motifrandomness
Lack of predictable pattern
chaos · disorder · incoherence · haphazardness · formlessness
- ulterior motiveConcealed purpose behind behavior
- profit motiveDrive to earn money
- self motivationInternal drive to act
- character motivationWhy a persona acts
- low motivationDiminished urge to act
- intrinsic motivationDesire from within oneself