Motto meaning in English

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Definition

a motto: a slogan, a favorite saying noun
An apple a day keeps the doctor away. That's my motto in life.

Examples

  • "And what's the most important motto in customer service?"
  • "Brian : Well that's not actually our motto, but you get the idea."
  • "So remember our team motto: Get you out."
  • "That's our motto."
Exercise 1
Which of the following could be considered a motto?

Which of the following could be considered a motto?
This is a good example of a "motto" which is a saying or expression, often one with official connotations. "Liberty, Equality and Fraternity" is the national motto of France, and is meant to describe the key principals that the French Republic is founded upon. "Satisfaction guaranteed, or your money back", is a common motto and policy for retail businesses in the United States.
This is not correct. Don't confuse a "motto" with a "moto", a term which is sometimes used as an abbreviation for "motorcycle" (but not a real English word!).
Although this is a true statement, it isn't even close to the definition of "motto", a term which describes an expression or saying.
This choice isn't correct. "She sells sea shells by the sea shore" is actually an example of a "tongue twister": a phrase or sentence which is difficult to pronounce or say, due to many similar sounds within the phrase. Other examples: Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers, or Red leather, yellow leather.
"Just do it!" is the advertising slogan, or motto, of the athletic company "Nike". A "motto" can be anything from an advertising slogan to a national saying, or just an expression which describes a particular approach or policy. For example: At our clothing store, our motto is "You will like our products, or we'll refund you".

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