motto
Meaning
-
- A sentence, phrase, or word, forming part of an heraldic achievement.
- A sentence, phrase, or word, prefixed to an essay, discourse, chapter, canto, or the like, suggestive of its subject matter; a short, suggestive expression of a guiding principle; a maxim.
- (obsolete) A paper packet containing a sweetmeat, cracker, etc., together with a scrap of paper bearing a motto.
Synonyms
epigram
encouraging speech
wishing speech
golden saying
Frequency
Pronounced as (IPA)
/ˈmɑ.toʊ/
Etymology
Borrowed from Italian motto (“a word, a saying”), from Latin muttum (“a mutter, a grunt”), late 16th c.. Doublet of mot.
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Notes