"recurring motif" vs "motif"

Question

"recurring motif" vs "motif"

Both 'recurring motif' and 'motif' are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Motif' refers to a distinctive feature or dominant idea in a work of art, literature, or music. 'Recurring motif' specifically emphasizes the idea of repetition or reoccurrence of the motif throughout the work.

Last Updated: March 08, 2024

Use 'recurring motif' when you want to emphasize the idea of a motif that appears repeatedly or is a central theme throughout a work.

Examples:

The use of the color red is a recurring motif in the artist's paintings.
The symbol of the rose serves as a recurring motif in the novel.
The musical piece features a recurring motif that reappears in different variations.
The filmmaker cleverly weaves a recurring motif of mirrors throughout the movie.
The theme of betrayal is a recurring motif in Shakespeare's plays.

Alternatives:

motif that recurs
repetitive motif
repeated motif
recurrent motif
persistent motif

Use 'motif' to refer to a distinctive feature, idea, or theme that is repeated or developed in a work of art, literature, or music.

Examples:

The novel explores the motif of love and loss.
The artist's paintings often incorporate floral motifs.
The musical composition includes a recurring motif that symbolizes hope.
The filmmaker uses the motif of light and darkness to convey the protagonist's inner turmoil.
The play incorporates the motif of fate and destiny in its storyline.

Alternatives:

theme
pattern
element
symbol
subject

Answer 1

recurring motif

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially in the context of analyzing art, literature, or music.

Answer 2

motif

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially in the context of art, literature, and music.

"recurring motif" vs "motif"

recurring motif

motif

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