A leitmotif is a recurring theme or idea that appears in music, literature, or a specific situation.
A leitmotif is a recurring theme or idea in music, literature, or a situation.
| Front | leitmotif \LIGHT-mo-teef\ also leitmotiv |
|---|---|
| Back | noun A recurrent theme in a piece of music or literature, situation, etc. [From German Leitmotiv (lead motif), from leit- (leading) + Motiv (motive). Ultimately from the Indo-European root leit- (to go forth, to die), which also gave us lead, load, lode, and livelihood. Earliest documented use: 1937.] "Smart women speaking makes many men angry. Looking back, I see that this has been a leitmotif of my life. This may not surprise you, but it surprises me, every time." - Elizabeth Farrelly; If Only the World Boasted More Uppity Women; The Sydney Morning Herald (Australia); Feb 13, 2014. |
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