# motif

> English word · Noun · IPA /moʊˈtiːf/ · frequency rank #17,188

## Definitions
1. A recurring or dominant element; an artistic theme.
2. A short melodic or lyrical passage that is repeated in several parts of a work.
3. A decorative figure that is repeated in a design or pattern.
4. A decorative appliqué design or figure, as of lace or velvet, used in trimming.
5. The physical object or objects repeated at each point of a lattice. Usually atoms or molecules.
6. A basic element of a move in terms of why the piece moves and how it supports the fulfilment of a stipulation.
7. In a nucleotide or aminoacid sequence, pattern that is widespread and has, or is conjectured to have, a biological significance.

## Etymology
From French motif (1848), with the meaning of "main idea or theme". Doublet of motive.

## Easily confused with
- **moto** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/motif-vs-moto)
- **mott** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/motif-vs-mott)
- **movie** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/motif-vs-movie)
- **motor** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/motif-vs-motor)
- **motto** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/motif-vs-motto)
- **motion** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/motif-vs-motion)
- **motive** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/motif-vs-motive)
- **moi** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/moi-vs-motif)
- **mot** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/mot-vs-motif)
- **Modi** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/modi-vs-motif)
- **moth** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/moth-vs-motif)
- **Mori** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/mori-vs-motif)
- **mote** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/mote-vs-motif)
- **motel** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/motel-vs-motif)
- **moths** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/moths-vs-motif)
- **Matic** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/matic-vs-motif)
- **Mobil** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/mobil-vs-motif)
- **Morin** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/morin-vs-motif)
- **Moria** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/moria-vs-motif)
- **modify** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/modify-vs-motif)

## Common misspellings (7)
`mmotif`, `moitf`, `motfi`, `motiff`, `mottif`, `mtoif`, `omtif`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/motif