1. A recurring musical theme or phrase associated with a particular character, idea, or situation in a composition, especially in opera or film.
Usage: Plural of leitmotif; Commonly used in music criticism and film analysis
2. A dominant or recurring theme, pattern, or element in any artistic work, narrative, or context.
Usage: Extended usage beyond music; Common in literary and cultural analysis

Examples

• Wagner's operas are famous for their use of leitmotifs to represent different characters and emotions.
• The composer employed several leitmotifs throughout the symphony to unify the different movements.
• In the film score, the hero's leitmotifs were played whenever he appeared on screen.
• The novel's leitmotifs of isolation and redemption appear repeatedly in the protagonist's journey.
• The director used visual leitmotifs—recurring colors and symbols—to strengthen the narrative.
• John Williams' Star Wars leitmotifs have become iconic in popular culture.
• The artist's work is characterized by leitmotifs of nature and human connection.