motifa recurring image, object, or pattern in a work of art or literature (smaller than a theme)Water serves as a recurring motif throughout the poet's collection, representing change and renewal.NoteWater serves as a recurring motif throughout the poet's collection, representing change and renewal.Elon.io is an online learning platformWe have an entire course teaching TOEFL Academic Vocabulary grammar and vocabulary.Start learning TOEFL Academic Vocabulary now