leitmotiv
1
9.9
- noun
- /ˈlaɪtˌmoʊtɪv/
- Specialized
:
leitmotiv
- In the opera, the leitmotiv associated with the hero plays whenever he appears on stage.
Examples
-
This video puts into play what will become a virtual leitmotiv in the visual presentation of Twain that is purveyed over the next several years, a presentation that, I believe, causes some of the discomfort with her and her image.
Academic text (2014) -
Likewise, the imperative of minimizing casualties was the leitmotiv of the entire Persian Gulf intervention, from the initial deployment, which was originally presented as purely defensive, to the sudden decision to call off the ground war.
Academic text (1994) -
Is there any story about Germano-Austrian classical culture where you don't throw in your atonal Leitmotiv?
Blog text (8) -
At the same time, running like a leitmotiv through the history of the Federal Republic has been the effort, under all chancellors, to widen the bounds of German sovereignty and power.
Academic text (1994) -
The symbiotic relationship between creation and destruction remains an obsessive leitmotiv of Le Parti pris des choses, Pieces, and other texts.
Academic text (1993) -
The Hague Principles are underpinned by the leitmotiv of party autonomy: (33) the normative claim that the contracting parties ought to be free to enter into contracts and select the law applicable to those contracts, largely as they wish.
Academic text (2018) -
Flavor is William's leitmotiv, his motto, his raison d'être, his modus operandi, his way of life, and, let's not mince words, his obsession.
Blog text (1) -
The recurring leitmotiv in the symphony captures the essence of love and longing throughout the piece.
-
Throughout the novel, the author intertwines a musical leitmotiv to symbolize the protagonist's internal struggle.
Synonyms
173
3.4
A melody that repeats and becomes the main musical idea
88
7.5
A short melody that returns and changes in a musical piece
3
6.7
A short musical idea that repeats and is changed in a piece
1
9.1
A short musical idea that returns to show a person, place, or feeling
1
3.4
The main tune that represents a person or idea in a piece of music
1
5.8
A main tune that returns and shapes a musical piece
How Recurrent
28
3.5
- Specialized
1
9.9
- Specialized
173
3.4
- Specialized
3
6.7
- UK
1
4.4
Surface Forms
Etymology
Leitmotiv comes from German and literally means 'leading motive', with leit- from a word for 'to lead' and -motiv meaning 'motive' or a short musical idea. So a leitmotiv is a short musical phrase that 'leads' you to a particular person, idea, or situation in a piece of music.