Leitmotif Definition

lītmōtēf
leitmotifs
noun
leitmotifs
A short, recurring musical phrase or theme, esp. as used in Wagnerian opera to represent a given character, emotion, etc.
Webster's New World
A dominant theme or underlying pattern.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
  • leitmotiv

Other Word Forms of Leitmotif

Noun

Singular:
leitmotif
Plural:
leitmotifs

Origin of Leitmotif

  • German Leitmotiv leiten to lead (from Middle High German) (from Old High German leitan leit- in Indo-European roots) Motiv motif (from French motif motif)

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • From German Leitmotiv (“leading motive"), from leiten (“to lead") + Motiv (“motive"), originally used to describe Wagnerian opera.

    From Wiktionary

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