Motif (en. Pattern)

/mɔ.tif/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

noun

Theme or recurring pattern in an artistic work.

The floral motif is omnipresent in this tapestry.

Le motif floral est omniprésent dans cette tapisserie.

Reason or cause for an action.

His motive for leaving was the search for new opportunities.

Son motif pour partir était la recherche de nouvelles opportunités.

Graphic element used in design.

This geometric motif gives character to the room.

Ce motif géométrique donne du caractère à la pièce.

From the Latin 'motīvus', meaning 'that which drives to act'.

to have a motive

to have a valid reason to act.

avoir un motif

hidden motive

an intention or reason that is not obvious.

motif caché

recurring motif

a theme or element that appears multiple times.

motif récurrent

motivation

What drives a person to act.

motivation

pretext

Reason given to justify an action, often misleading.

prétexte

design

Plan or scheme used to create a product or work.

design

A trivial reason.

He said it was for the motive, but I know he was exaggerating.

Il a dit que c'était pour le motif, mais je sais qu'il exagérait.

A motive for excuse.

His motive was vague enough to evade his responsibilities.

Son motif était assez flou pour se dérober à ses responsabilités.