motto
UK[ˈmɒtəʊ]US[ˈmɑːtoʊ]
n
a short sentence or phrase that expresses a rule for sensible behavior, or a person's or organization's beliefs and aims
n
a sentence or phrase written on something such as a coat of arms or a coin
Etymology
the word "motto" entered english in the late 16th century from italian, where it means "word" or "remark." the italian term itself is derived from the latin word "muttum," meaning "a mutter, a grunt," or more broadly, an uttered sound. this latin root is onomatopoeic, imitating the sound of the voice. the semantic journey from a simple uttered sound to a formal, guiding phrase illustrates how a basic concept of speech was refined and specialized, particularly within the contexts of heraldry and personal maxims, to represent a concise statement of principle or intent.
Analysis
the word is a loanword adopted as a single unit from italian. it does not contain separable morphemes in modern english.
Examples
the school's motto is "duty, honor, country."
"live and let live" was his personal motto.
the family crest bore the latin motto "semper fidelis."