Synonyms for leitmotif

Grammar : Noun

Spell : lahyt-moh-teef

Phonetic Transcription : ˈlaɪt moʊˌtif

Top 10 synonyms for leitmotif

Other synonyms for the word leitmotif

Définition of leitmotif

Origin : 1876, "a musical figure to which some definite meaning is attached," from German Leitmotiv, literally "lead motive," from leiten "to lead" (see lead (v.1)) + Motiv (see motive). A term associated with Wagnerian musical drama, though the thing itself is at least as old as Mozart. "The leitmotif must be characteristic of the person or thing it is intended to represent." ["Elson's Music Dictionary"]

As in theme : noun idea, subject matter

Example sentences :

He will come back, murmured Chavvy, in concordance with her leitmotif.
Extract from : « Twos and Threes » by G. B. Stern

It was what I had always called "Rosemary's leitmotif," expressed in perfume.
Extract from : « The Brightener » by C. N. Williamson

"More work for the undertaker" should be the leitmotif of the evening's fun.
Extract from : « Perfect Behavior » by Donald Ogden Stewart

Indeed, they recur again and again, like a Leitmotif in music, in everything he wrote.
Extract from : « The Social Significance of the Modern Drama » by Emma Goldman

In her direct and genuine nature there is a 'Leitmotif' of pure sweet melody that will enrich the life of its discoverer.
Extract from : « Bee and Butterfly » by Lucy Foster Madison

In these symphonic poems Liszt has made use of the principle of the leitmotif in orchestral music.
Extract from : « How to Appreciate Music » by Gustav Kobb

His leitmotif in the music-play has been 'See the Conquering Hero' up to now; one isn't sorry to see one's sex avenged.
Extract from : « The Dop Doctor » by Clotilde Inez Mary Graves

Here Rimsky-Korsakov makes a more extended and systematic use of the leitmotif.
Extract from : « The Russian Opera » by Rosa Newmarch

And the "Wacht am Rhein" seemed to come and go at intervals, like a leitmotif to all their doings.
Extract from : « A Woman's Experience in the Great War » by Louise Mack

Here is the leitmotif of the whole fascinating drama of infection and immunity.
Extract from : « Preventable Diseases » by Woods Hutchinson

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019