A
motto (derived from the
Latin muttum, 'mutter', by way of
Italian motto, 'word', 'sentence') is a
maxim, a phrase meant to formally summarize the general motivation or intention of an individual, family, social group or organization. Mottos are usually not expressed verbally, unlike
slogans, but are expressed in writing and usually stem from long traditions of social foundations, or also from significant events, such as a civil war or a revolution. A motto may be in any language, but
Latin has been widely used, especially in the Western world.