motif

US /moʊˈtiːf/
UK /moʊˈtiːf/
"motif" picture
1.

a dominant or recurring idea in an artistic or literary work

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The motif of betrayal runs through the entire novel.
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The director used the recurring motif of a lone wolf to symbolize isolation.
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2.

a decorative design or pattern

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The wallpaper had a floral motif.
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The artist incorporated traditional tribal motifs into her modern paintings.
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