motto
4 synonyms and 0 antonyms for motto, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A short phrase that expresses a guiding belief or principle.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use motto
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Borrowed from Italian motto ("a word, a saying"), from Latin muttum ("a mutter").
Full origin of motto →Frequently asked questions
What does “motto” mean?
The word “motto” means a short phrase that expresses a guiding belief or principle. In plain terms, a short saying that sums up someone's beliefs or a group's guiding idea.
How do you pronounce “motto”?
“Motto” is pronounced MO-toh (/ˈmɑ.toʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “motto” in a sentence?
Here is “motto” used in a sentence: “"Waste not, want not" was her grandmother's motto.”
What part of speech is “motto”?
“Motto” is a noun.
Where does the word “motto” come from?
The word “motto” comes from Latin. Borrowed from Italian motto ("a word, a saying"), from Latin muttum ("a mutter").
Is “motto” a common word?
“Motto” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between a motto and a slogan?
A motto is a short phrase that expresses a guiding belief or principle, often adopted personally or by an organisation for long-term identity, while a slogan is typically used for advertising or campaigns and may change over time to suit a specific promotion.
What is the difference between a motto and a mission statement?
A motto is a brief, memorable phrase expressing a guiding belief, while a mission statement is a longer, more detailed explanation of an organisation's purpose and goals. A motto is meant to be quoted or displayed concisely, unlike a fuller mission statement.
Can a person have a personal motto?
Yes, a motto can belong to an individual as well as an organisation or country, expressing a personal guiding belief or principle that someone tries to live by, such as a family motto or a personal life motto.