In French, the word "Motif" primarily means "reason" or "cause." It describes the underlying cause or rationale behind a particular action, event, or decision. This term is often employed to explain why something occurred or identify the motivating factor behind a specific behavior or occurrence. In a broader context, "motif" refers to a recurring pattern.
In addition to its primary meaning of "motive" or "reason," the German word "Motiv", in the realms of art and literature, is used to describe the central theme, subject, or idea around which a piece of art or literature is developed. It can refer to a recurring element in a painting, a central idea in a novel, or the subject matter of a musical composition.