Motto
/ˈmɒt.oʊ/noun
A short phrase expressing a guiding principle or belief.
Did you know?English got *motto* from Italian, where it originally meant a spoken word or saying—so your “life motto” is literally a phrase that was meant to be voiced and carried forward.
Etymological Timeline
Late Latin
LL
muttum
“a muttered sound or brief utterance”
Medieval Latin
Latin
motto
“a saying, phrase, or short utterance”
15th Century
Italian
motto
“a brief saying, remark, or witticism”
16th Century
French
motto
“a device, inscription, or short phrase expressing a sentiment”
16th Century
English
motto
“a brief phrase expressing a principle or guiding idea”