motivo

Motivo is a term used in several Romance languages, notably Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese, to denote a motive, reason, or purpose; it also refers to a decorative or thematic element, such as a recurring motif in a work of art or literature. In English usage, equivalent terms are motive, motif, or theme.

In musical contexts, a motivo (or motif in Italian) is a short, recognizable musical figure or idea that recurs throughout a composition and may help unify structure. In literary and visual arts, motivo can describe a recurring image, symbol, or situation, or a principal subject that motivates the narrative or aesthetic.

Etymology: The word derives from Latin motivus, meaning moving or likely to move, through the Romance languages. Over time, it has specialized senses: justification or reason (motivo), a recurring musical or thematic element, and decorative patterns in design.

Usage and notes: While common in Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese, the precise sense depends on context; in everyday speech it can mean reason or purpose, and in the arts it often implies a recurring theme or pattern. In some contexts, Motivo is used as a title for films, books, or artworks in Spanish- or Italian-language contexts.