Dictionary
leitmotif
noun leit·mo·tif \ˈlīt-mō-ˌtēf\
Definition of LEITMOTIF
1
: an associated melodic phrase or figure that accompanies the reappearance of an idea, person, or situation especially in a Wagnerian music drama
2
: a dominant recurring theme
Variants of LEITMOTIF
leit·mo·tif also leit·mo·tiv \ˈlīt-mō-ˌtēf\
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Origin of LEITMOTIF
German Leitmotiv, from leiten to lead + Motiv motive
First Known Use: circa 1876
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