Motifs (en. Patterns)

/mɔ.tif/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

noun

A motif is a recurring element in an artistic work.

Floral motifs adorn the tapestry.

Les motifs floraux décorent la tapisserie.

A motif can also refer to a reason or intention.

His motive for leaving was mysterious.

Son motif pour partir était mystérieux.

In music, a motif is a repeated melodic phrase.

This musical motif is very catchy.

Ce motif musical est très accrocheur.

From Latin 'motivus', meaning 'that which provokes movement'.

hidden motive

An unobvious reason behind an action.

motif caché

recurring motif

An element that repeats within a work.

motif récurrent

to have motives

To have reasons, intention to act in a certain way.

avoir des motifs

theme

main subject of a work or discussion.

thème

intention

Goal or objective of an action.

intention

reason

Explanation for an event or behavior.

raison

Unclear or suspicious motive.

His motives for going out at that hour are a bit dodgy.

Ses motifs pour sortir à cette heure-là sont un peu louches.

A pretext or excuse for doing something.

He always has a motive in mind to justify his actions.

Il a toujours un motif en tête pour justifier ses actions.