leitmotif

noun

leit·​mo·​tif ˈlīt-mō-ˌtēf 

variants or less commonly leitmotiv

1

: an associated melodic phrase or figure that accompanies the reappearance of an idea, person, or situation especially in a Wagnerian music drama

2

: a dominant recurring theme

Did you know?

The English word leitmotif (or leitmotiv, as it is also spelled) comes from the German Leitmotiv, meaning "leading motive," and is formed from the verb leiten ("to lead") and the noun Motiv ("motive"). In its original sense, the word applies to opera music; it was first used by writers interpreting the works of composer Richard Wagner, who was famous for associating a melody with a character or important dramatic element. Leitmotif is still commonly used with reference to music and musical drama but it is now also used more broadly to refer to any recurring theme in the arts or in everyday life.

Did you know?

What exactly is a motif? And how is it different from a leitmotif?

In works of art, a motif is an important and noticeable element or feature that typically appears throughout the work. It can relate to the theme, or it can be the dominant or central idea itself. Concepts like betrayal and forgiveness can be motifs, for example, but so can particular images and sounds, such as trees or bells. Motif is also commonly applied in design, where it typically refers to a single or repeated pattern or color. A piece of fabric might have a floral motif; a room may have a black and white motif.

Motif can also appear in scientific contexts, especially in biochemistry, where it refers to a distinctive molecular sequence or structural element that is usually recurrent.

Leitmotif (also and formerly more commonly spelled leitmotiv) has its origins in opera, and is especially associated with Wagnerian opera. The word is from the German words leit and Motif, which translate respectively as "leading" and "motive." In opera, a leitmotif is a recurring melody that accompanies the reappearance of an idea, person, or situation. The term is now applied in other kinds of music, sometimes with a meaning very close to the original: "The Imperial March" that is heard in the Star Wars film franchise whenever Darth Vader appears on screen, for example, is a modern example of leitmotif.

Leitmotif also has extended use that treads the same territory as motif. It's not a common word, but when it is applied it often refers to a dominant recurring theme, as when an image consistently used in an artist's works is described as a leitmotif. Note that some people object when leitmotif is modified by a word like main or dominant, on the grounds that since German leit means "leading" the phrase is redundant. English speakers using leitmotif in English, however, may choose to ignore the objection since leit does not mean "leading" in English.

Examples of leitmotif in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One leitmotif of the film is contemporary dance, which offers the daughter a form of release. —John Hopewell, Variety, 3 Nov. 2024

As his range of roles broaden, Cassel has not turned his back on the tough-guy roles that have been a leitmotif through his career. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 25 Oct. 2024

By Felix Bischof published 14 October 2024 Diamonds have long been a leitmotif at Chopard. —Felix Bischof, theweek, 14 Oct. 2024

Animal print was another major theme in our fall shoe trend report—a leitmotif seen here in the form of punchy leopard spots and zebra stripes. —Laura Jackson, Vogue, 7 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

German Leitmotiv, from leiten to lead + Motiv motive

First Known Use

circa 1880, in the meaning defined at sense 1