motif

motif, pattern

noun moh-TEEF Less Common

Also means

motive, reason

Usage Note

Motif covers both a decorative/artistic pattern (un motif floral — a floral motif) and a reason or motive (quel est le motif de votre visite ? — what is the reason for your visit?). The English words 'motif' and 'motive' both derive from this French word. In music, motif refers to a recurring melodic idea, as in English.

Examples

"Le tissu est orné d'un motif géométrique."

Natural Translation

The fabric is decorated with a geometric pattern.

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