mantra

noun

man·​tra ˈmän-trə 

 also  ˈman-,

 or  ˈmən-

: a mystical formula of invocation (see invocation sense 2) or incantation (as in Hinduism)

also : watchword sense 2

"diversity" has become our multicultural mantra

—Manning Marable

mantric

ˈmän-trik 

 also  ˈman-

 or  ˈmən-

adjective

Examples of mantra in a Sentence

a businessman whose mantra is “bigger is better”

Recent Examples on the Web

In fact, her mantra around confidence is all about feeling beautiful from the inside out. —Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 18 Apr. 2024

The risk of being left behind is too unpalatable for business leaders, and one mantra was clear as founders and tech executives discussed the topic onstage in London: Companies have to pick the right ways to use AI. —Bypaolo Confino, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Sanskrit, sacred counsel, formula, from manyate he thinks; akin to Latin mens mind — more at mind

First Known Use

1795, in the meaning defined above