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

The unifying mantra of warding off the extremists now gives way to disagreements over taxation, Russia, immigration and all manner of other things, which some of the coalition members have had some questionable positions on in the past. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 9 July 2024

The collection spans T-shirts, hoodies and bandanas with the team’s mantra on the backs. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 4 July 2024

On the right, the idea that DEI stands in the way of free speech, and imposes progressive groupthink, has become a mantra. —Simon Montlake, The Christian Science Monitor, 27 June 2024

The four-track EP doesn’t just take its name from the genre-shifting title track but acts as a layered mantra. —Jeff Benjamin, Billboard, 21 June 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