LEITMOTIF or LEITMOTIV

PRONUNCIATION: (LYT-mo-teef)

MEANING: noun: A recurrent theme in a piece of music or literature, situation, etc.

ETYMOLOGY: From German Leitmotiv (lead motif), from leit- (leading) + Motiv (motive). Ultimately from the Indo-European root leit- (to go forth, to die), which also gave us lead, load, lode, and livelihood. Earliest documented use: 1937.

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NEITMOTIF - my recurring dreams are all recognizably similar

FLEITMOTIF - the airline is having an image makeover

LEIMOTIF - signature theme of the Hawaiian Islands

LEGITMOTIV - an alibi that stands up in court