1.  motif(n = noun.artifact) motive - a design or figure that consists of recurring shapes or colors, as in architecture or decoration;
is a kind of design, figure, pattern

2.  motif(n = noun.communication) motive - a theme that is repeated or elaborated in a piece of music;
is a kind of idea, melodic theme, musical theme, theme
has particulars: obbligato, obligato

3.  motif(n = noun.cognition) theme - a unifying idea that is a recurrent element in literary or artistic work; "it was the usual `boy gets girl' theme"
is a kind of idea, thought
has particulars: topos

1.  Motive. [1913 Webster]

2.  In literature and the fine arts, a salient feature or element of a composition or work; esp., the theme, or central or dominant feature; [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
"This motif, of old things lost, is a favorite one for the serious ballade." [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
"The design . . . is . . . based on the peacock -- a motif favored by decorative artists of all ages." [Webster 1913 Suppl.]

3.  A decorative appliqué design or figure, as of lace or velvet, used in trimming; also, a repeated design. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]

motif, n.
1 a distinctive feature or dominant idea in artistic or literary composition.
2 Mus. = FIGURE n. 10.
3 an ornament of lace etc. sewn separately on a garment.
4 an ornament on a vehicle identifying the maker, model, etc.

Etymology:
F (as MOTIVE)