leitmotif
pronunciation
How to pronounce leitmotif in British English:
UK [ˈlaɪtməʊti:f]
How to pronounce leitmotif in American English:
US [ˈlaɪtmoˌtif]
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- Noun:
- a melodic phrase that accompanies the reappearance of a person or situation (as in Wagner's operas)
Word Origin
- leitmotif (n.)
- 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"]
Example
- 1. The interchangeable power of art and life is this festival 's leitmotif .
- 2. Contempt for lawyers who object to their criminal-justice policies has been a leitmotif for labour home secretaries .
- 3. Resistance to mr najib 's changes has become something of a leitmotif of his time in office , and it could cost him dear at the next general election , which is expected later this year .
- 4. The struggle between sovereignty and internationalism , epitomised by the impassioned relations between america and the un , is the leitmotif of the book .
- 5. If china is a leitmotif , readers may also detect a second running theme-or a pervasive tension .