leitmotif
[ lahyt-moh-teef ]
/ ˈlaɪt moʊˌtif /
noun
a motif or theme associated throughout a music drama with a particular person, situation, or idea.
Origin of leitmotif
1875–80; < German: leading motive
Words nearby leitmotif
leisure suit,
leisured,
leisurely,
leisurewear,
leith,
leitmotif,
leitrim,
leix,
leizhou,
leizhou peninsula,
lejeune
Example sentences from the Web for leitmotif
British Dictionary definitions for leitmotif
leitmotif
leitmotiv
/ (ˈlaɪtməʊˌtiːf) /
noun
music
a recurring short melodic phrase or theme used, esp in Wagnerian music dramas, to suggest a character, thing, etc
an often repeated word, phrase, image, or theme in a literary work
Word Origin for leitmotif
C19: from German
leitmotiv leading motif
Cultural definitions for leitmotif
leitmotif
[ (leyet-moh-teef) ]
A frequently recurring bit of melody, usually in opera, associated with a person, thing, or emotion; Leitmotiv is German for “leading theme.” The leitmotif may be heard in the instrumental or the vocal part.
notes for leitmotif
Leitmotifs are particularly associated with the operas of Richard
Wagner.
notes for leitmotif
Recurring
themes or subjects in other forms of art or literature are sometimes also called leitmotifs.