How to pronounce leitmotif
Say it like LYTE-moh-teef. Leitmotif has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LYTE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce leitmotif. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LYTE
- moh
- teef
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Leitmotif pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LYTESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- mohKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- teefGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of leitmotif
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: LYTE-moh-teef.
What does leitmotif mean?
- A melodic theme associated with a particular character, place, thing or idea in an opera.
- A recurring theme.
Where does leitmotif come from?
From German Leitmotiv (“leading motif”), from leiten (“to lead”) + Motiv (“motif”), originally used to describe Wagnerian opera.
Questions about saying leitmotif
How do you pronounce leitmotif?
Say LYTE-moh-teef. The American pronunciation is /ˈlaɪtmoʊˌtif/. In British English it is /ˈlaɪtməʊˌtiːf/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in leitmotif?
Leitmotif has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LYTE). Broken into parts: LYTE · moh · teef.
Is leitmotif pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /ˈlaɪtməʊˌtiːf/ (LYTE-moh-teef).