A recurring theme is a concept or idea that is repeated throughout a work of literature, film, or other art form. The term 'recurring theme' can be broken down into three distinct words: LEITMOTIV (9 letters), MOTIF (5 letters), and LEITMOTIF (9 letters). LEITMOTIV is a German word meaning 'leading motive, ' and it is used to describe a recurring theme in a work of art. MOTIF is a French word meaning 'PATTERN, ' and it is used to describe a recurring element in a work of art. LEITMOTIF is a combination of the two words, and it is used to describe a recurring theme or PATTERN in a work of art.