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Motto Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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motto

[หˆmษ’tษ™สŠ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

personal philosophy

A motto is a short phrase or sentence that expresses someone's beliefs, ideals, or guiding principles.

Synonyms

credo, maxim, saying.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
motto

A motto is a short, memorable phrase or sentence that sums up the beliefs or ideals of an individual, organization, or institution. It's often used as a guide for behavior or a slogan.

  • The school's motto is 'Knowledge is Power'
  • Our family motto is 'Always do your best
  • '
saying

A saying is a short, commonly known expression that conveys advice or wisdom, often originating from traditional folklore or popular culture. It can be used in various situations to encapsulate a piece of practical knowledge.

  • An old saying goes, 'A stitch in time saves nine
  • ' 'The early bird catches the worm' is another popular saying
maxim

A maxim is a concise statement that expresses a general truth, fundamental principle, or rule of conduct. It is often handed down historically or considered a piece of universal wisdom.

  • One famous maxim is 'Honesty is the best policy
  • ' Another well-known maxim is 'Actions speak louder than words
  • '
credo

A credo is a set of firm beliefs or principles that guide someone's actions. It generally refers to personal or organizational philosophy on a more profound, sometimes spiritual, level.

  • Her personal credo is to treat others as she would like to be treated
  • The company's credo is based on integrity and innovation

Examples of usage

  • My motto is 'Carpe Diem' - seize the day.
  • The company's motto is 'Quality over quantity.'
Context #2 | Noun

heraldry

In heraldry, a motto is a phrase or sentence placed beneath a coat of arms, typically expressing a noble family's aspirations or values.

Synonyms

family motto, heraldic motto.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
motto

Used to describe a short phrase or sentence that expresses a guiding principle or belief of an individual or group.

  • 'Live and let live' is her motto.
  • The team's motto is 'Together we achieve more.'
heraldic motto

Typically refers to a motto associated with a coat of arms or a family crest, often reflecting the heritage and values of a noble family.

  • The heraldic motto on the coat of arms reads 'Fortune favors the brave'.
  • His family's heraldic motto is 'By courage and faith.'
family motto

Specifically refers to a phrase or sentence that conveys the values or guiding principles of a particular family, often passed down through generations.

  • Their family motto has always been 'Strength and Honor.'
  • The Carters' family motto is 'Faith, Love, Respect.'

Examples of usage

  • Their family motto is 'Semper Fidelis' - always faithful.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • Many famous brands have mottos that resonate with their mission, like Nikeโ€™s 'Just Do It,' encouraging action.
  • Movies and books often feature characters with memorable mottos that define their journeys, such as Gandalf's 'A wizard is never late.'
  • In the realm of sports, teams often adopt mottos that inspire fans and players alike, creating a sense of unity and purpose.

Psychology

  • Having a personal motto can boost motivation and improve decision-making, acting as a mental anchor during tough times.
  • Psychological studies suggest that mantras or mottos can enhance focus and reduce stress, similar to positive affirmations.
  • The repetition of a motto can condition the mind to internalize values and direction, shaping behavior and attitude over time.

Education

  • Mottos are often used in educational settings, with schools adopting them to reflect their philosophies and inspire students.
  • Students may create personal mottos to guide their academic goals, fostering a positive mindset towards learning.
  • Mottos can be powerful tools in classroom management, helping educators instill core values like respect and perseverance.

History

  • Throughout history, various political movements have adopted mottos that encapsulate their mission and vision, such as the French Revolution's 'Libertรฉ, รฉgalitรฉ, fraternitรฉ.'
  • In ancient Rome, mottos were often inscribed on public buildings to convey civic virtues and laws to the populace.
  • The use of mottos in military units serves to instill a sense of pride and purpose among soldiers, fostering camaraderie.

Origin of 'motto'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'motto' comes from the Italian word 'motto,' meaning 'word' or 'saying.'
  • It was first used in English in the late 16th century, showing how ideas and expressions can travel across languages.
  • The term was often associated with heraldry, where a family's motto would accompany their coat of arms to convey their values.

The word 'motto' originated from the late 16th century, from Italian 'motto', meaning 'a saying'. It has been used to describe a brief statement of beliefs or principles ever since. Mottoes are commonly found in various contexts, from personal mantras to official slogans.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,551, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.