motive

motive or motif , in music, a short phrase or passage of two or more notes and repeated or elaborated throughout the composition. The term is usually used synonymously with figure . A special kind of motive is the leitmotiv, wherein a character or a dramatic idea is represented throughout an opera by one or more motives. The leitmotiv technique is almost as old as opera itself, but its most extensive application is found in Wagner's works.

motive, motivation See INTERPRETATION; PSYCHOANALYSIS; SANCTION, SOCIAL SANCTION; VOCABULARIES OF MOTIVE.

mo·tive / ˈmōtiv/ • n. 1. a reason for doing something, esp. one that is hidden or not obvious: a motive for his murder. 2. (in art, literature, or music) a motif: the entire work grows organically from the opening horn motive. • adj. 1. producing physical or mechanical motion: the charge of gas is the motive force for every piston stroke. 2. causing or being the reason for something: the motive principle of a writer's work. DERIVATIVES: mo·tive·less adj. mo·tive·less·ly adv. mo·tive·less·ness n.