mottoes

A motto is a short phrase or sentence that expresses a guiding principle, belief, or goal. It is often adopted by individuals, families, schools, organizations, and nations to summarize values or aspirations and is typically displayed on seals, coats of arms, banners, or official documents. The term derives from Italian motto, historically used in heraldry and long associated with inscriptions that endure beyond a person’s lifetime or a fleeting campaign. Mottoes are usually in Latin, Greek, or the native language of the group, though multilingual forms are common.

Usage spans personal, familial, or institutional contexts. National and state mottoes appear on coins, flags, and official insignia; school and university mottoes express educational aims; corporate mottoes reflect mission statements. Personal mottoes are chosen to guide behavior and decision-making.

Notable examples include Carpe diem (Latin, seize the day); Semper fidelis (Always faithful); Dieu et mon droit (God and my right); In God We Trust. Yet mottoes are not slogans; they are intended to endure as guiding principles rather than promotional phrases, though the wording may be concise.

Plural forms: mottoes and mottos both appear in English; mottos is more common in American usage, mottoes more common in British and other varieties of English. See also heraldry and epigraphy for related practices.