motif

Where does the word "motif" come from? It comes from Medieval Latin motivus, passing through French before entering English (1848).

Motif’s story begins in Medieval Latin: motivus meant “causing motion, a motive.” Moving, causing motion, from movere (to move). By 1800s, the word had taken hold in French as motif. Carried into French artistic vocabulary for a recurring design element. It reached English by 1848 as motif. Settled as the English word for a recurring artistic or musical theme. Today, motif means a recurring theme, idea, or design element in art, literature, or music.

1. Stage 1 · Medieval Latin · medieval motivus "causing motion, a motive", moving, causing motion, from movere (to move).
2. Stage 2 · French · 1800s motif "a recurring design element or theme", carried into French artistic vocabulary for a recurring design element.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1848 motif "a recurring theme or design element", settled as the English word for a recurring artistic or musical theme.