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mottoa short sentence or phrase that expresses a belief or guiding principle

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: a short sentence or phrase that expresses a belief or guiding principle

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈmɑːtoʊ/

Example Sentences

  • My life motto is 'Never give up, especially before breakfast'
  • The Olympic motto is 'Faster, Higher, Stronger'
  • Her motto 'Sleep is for the weak' lasted until she had twins

motto

NOUN

[/ˈmɑːtoʊ/]

a short sentence or phrase that expresses a belief or guiding principle

The school's motto 'Never give up' is carved above the main entrance.
💡 Concept

The school's motto 'Never give up' is carved above the main entrance.

The team's motto became a daily reminder of the values they wanted to live by. (Think of: MOTTO → "MY MOTTO": A motto is something you can say: “This is my rule.”)
🧠 Mnemonic

The team's motto became a daily reminder of the values they wanted to live by. (Think of: MOTTO → "MY MOTTO": A motto is something you can say: “This is my rule.”)

Her motto was “go,” so she kept the photo of her first race as a reminder to keep moving forward.
🎵 Rhyme

Her motto was “go,” so she kept the photo of her first race as a reminder to keep moving forward.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈmɑːtoʊ/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈmɒtəʊ/

🌳Etymology

Rootmotto

Origin

From Italian 'motto' meaning 'a muttered word' or 'a saying.' It derives from Latin 'muttum' (a grunt or murmur), which evolved to mean a brief, memorable statement of principle.

Breakdown

From Latin root 'mutt-' (to mutter/murmur) + past participle ending, originally referring to words spoken quietly that became condensed expressions of belief

🎵Rhyme

lottogrottoOtto
lotto
grotto
Otto

🔗Collocations

school motto
family motto
company motto
adopt a motto
live by a motto
personal motto

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

My life motto is 'Never give up, especially before breakfast'

The Olympic motto is 'Faster, Higher, Stronger'

😄 Fun example

Her motto 'Sleep is for the weak' lasted until she had twins

The company's motto emphasizes innovation and teamwork

📚Related Words

Synonyms

sloganmaximprinciplecreedwatchword

Antonyms

contradictioninconsistency

Related

philosophybeliefguidelinedoctrinemantra

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