NYT Dictionary

MOTIF

/moʊˈtiːf/
Nounmo-TIFmo-tif · 2 syllablesGrade 9

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024

Meaning

A recurring or dominant element; an artistic theme.

Etymology

Origin: French

From French motif (1848), with the meaning of "main idea or theme". Doublet of motive.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

motivethemeactionanglearchitectureargumentatmospherebackgroundbasisbeading

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 4 recorded puzzles:

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