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noun Uncommon

mantra

MAN-truh

Mantra (noun) means a word or phrase repeated during meditation or prayer to aid focus. Example: “She silently repeated her mantra as she meditated.”

noun
1
A word or phrase repeated during meditation or prayer to aid focus.
"She silently repeated her mantra as she meditated."
2
A slogan or saying repeated so often it becomes a guiding principle.
""Move fast and fix things" became the team's new mantra."

How to use mantra

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA phrase repeated for focus in meditation, or any often-repeated guiding slogan.

Common pairings
repeat a mantra company mantra daily mantra

Word forms

mantras plural

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She silently repeated her _____ as she meditated.

Etymology

From Sanskrit mantra, related to a root meaning "to think" — the same root that gives English "mind."

Origin: Sanskrit

Frequently asked questions

What does “mantra” mean?

The word “mantra” means a word or phrase repeated during meditation or prayer to aid focus. In plain terms, a phrase repeated for focus in meditation, or any often-repeated guiding slogan.

How do you pronounce “mantra”?

“Mantra” is pronounced MAN-truh (/ˈmɑn.tɹə/ in IPA).

How do you use “mantra” in a sentence?

Here is “mantra” used in a sentence: “She silently repeated her mantra as she meditated.”

What part of speech is “mantra”?

“Mantra” is a noun.

Where does the word “mantra” come from?

The word “mantra” comes from Sanskrit. From Sanskrit mantra, related to a root meaning "to think" — the same root that gives English "mind.".

Is “mantra” a common word?

“Mantra” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “mantra” have?

“Mantra” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a word or phrase repeated during meditation or prayer to aid focus.

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