Motto vs. Quote — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 5, 2023
Motto is a short sentence or phrase expressing a rule of conduct or belief. Quote is a repetition of someone else's statement or thoughts.
Difference Between Motto and Quote
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A motto is often a guiding principle or phrase, a succinct expression or proposition that provides a direction or reflection of beliefs. It may represent an individual's, group’s, or organization's ethos and is generally steadfast and unchanging over time, portraying core values.
Conversely, a quote is a repetition of words spoken or written by another person. It captures a moment, thought, or sentiment expressed in a previous instance. A quote is not fixed or solidified as a principle but serves to recall and reuse someone else’s words.
A motto typically implies a forward-looking stance, representing hopes, aims, or intentions. This brevity of wisdom or belief acts as a steadfast beacon and is often chosen to inspire or to succinctly communicate larger concepts or ideologies in a condensed manner.
A quote, while it can be inspirational, is generally retrospective, echoing past sentiments or thoughts of individuals. It is a recapture of what has been said or written, often to emphasize a point, validate an argument, or illustrate an idea using previously articulated thoughts.
Mottos are frequently utilized as defining or representative phrases for organizations, countries, or individuals to project their values and beliefs. They’re symbolic and often integrated into emblematic representations like crests, logos, or flags.
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In contrast, quotes permeate various forms of communication, like speeches and writings, where a snippet of someone else’s words can fortify an argument or emphasize a viewpoint. Quotes are shared to give weight to an idea by borrowing the credibility and eloquence of the original speaker or writer.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Guiding principle or phrase
Repetition of someone else's words
Purpose
Expresses belief or ideology
Recalls and reuses someone else’s words
Duration/Consistency
Generally steadfast and unchanging
Can be varied and utilized diversely
Ownership
Can be original or adopted
Always attributed to the original speaker
Usage Context
Often used in emblems or to define ethos
Used in various communication to emphasize
Compare with Definitions
Motto
A phrase expressing the spirit or purpose of an entity.
“In God We Trust” is the motto found on American currency.
Quote
A repetition of someone’s previously spoken or written words.
He began his speech with a quote from Martin Luther King Jr.
Motto
A short statement encapsulating a belief or ideal.
“Semper Fidelis” is the motto of the United States Marine Corps.
Quote
A reference to a statement from another source.
The author included a quote from Shakespeare in her novel.
Motto
A phrase denoting the guiding values of a group.
The school chose “Excellence in Education” as its motto.
Quote
Citing words from a different speaker or text.
She wrote down the inspiring quote from her professor.
Motto
A succinct saying used to guide conduct or choice.
“Honesty is the best policy” is a widely recognized motto.
Quote
Repeat or copy out (words from a text or speech written or spoken by another person)
He quoted from the scriptures
I realized she was quoting passages from Shakespeare
Motto
A motto (derived from the Latin muttum, 'mutter', by way of Italian motto, 'word', 'sentence') is the general motivation or intention of an individual, family, social group or organization. Mottos are usually found predominantly in written form (unlike slogans, which may also be expressed orally), and may stem from long traditions of social foundations, or from significant events, such as a civil war or a revolution.
Quote
Give someone (the estimated price of a job or service)
A garage quoted him £30
Motto
A short sentence or phrase chosen as encapsulating the beliefs or ideals of an individual, family, or institution
The family motto is ‘Faithful though Unfortunate’
Quote
Give (a company) a quotation or listing on a stock exchange
A British conglomerate quoted on the London Stock Exchange
Motto
A phrase which recurs throughout a musical work and has some symbolical significance
They were developing the use of leitmotifs or mottoes that appear throughout an opera
Quote
A quotation from a text or speech
A quote from Wordsworth
Motto
A brief statement used to express a principle, goal, or ideal
“We explain that when someone is cruel, or acts like a bully, you don't stoop to their level—no, our motto is ‘when they go low, we go high'” (Michelle Obama).
Quote
A quotation giving the estimated cost for a particular job or service
Quotes from different insurance companies
Motto
(heraldry) A sentence, phrase, or word, forming part of an heraldic achievement.
Quote
A quotation or listing of a company on a stock exchange.
Motto
A sentence, phrase, or word, prefixed to an essay, discourse, chapter, canto, or the like, suggestive of its subject matter; a short, suggestive expression of a guiding principle; a maxim.
Quote
Quotation marks
Use double quotes around precise phrases you wish to search for
Motto
(obsolete) A paper packet containing a sweetmeat, cracker, etc., together with a scrap of paper bearing a motto.
Quote
To repeat or copy (words from a source such as a book), usually with acknowledgment of the source
Quoted lines from Shakespeare in his lecture.
Motto
(intransitive) To compose mottos.
Quote
To repeat or copy the words of (a person or a book or other source)
Likes to quote Shakespeare when giving advice.
Motto
A sentence, phrase, or word, forming part of an heraldic achievment.
Quote
To cite or refer to for illustration or proof
Quoted statistics to show she was right.
Motto
A sentence, phrase, or word, prefixed to an essay, discourse, chapter, canto, or the like, suggestive of its subject matter; a short, suggestive expression of a guiding principle; a maxim.
It was the motto of a bishop eminent for his piety and good works, . . . "Serve God, and be cheerful."
Quote
To repeat a brief passage or excerpt from
The saxophonist quoted a Duke Ellington melody in his solo.
Motto
A favorite saying of a sect or political group
Quote
To state (a price) for securities, goods, or services.
Motto
A succinct expression of a fundamental principle.
“Liberty, Equality, Fraternity” is the motto of France.
Quote
To give a quotation, as from a book.
Quote
A quotation.
Quote
A quotation mark.
Quote
Used by a speaker to indicate the beginning of a direct quotation
"He paused and said, quote, I don't care, unquote.".
Quote
A dictum; a saying.
Quote
A quotation; a statement attributed to a person.
Quote
A quotation mark.
Quote
A summary of work to be done with a set price.
After going over the hefty quotes, the board decided it was cheaper to have the project executed by its own staff.
Quote
A price set for a financial security or commodity.
Quote
(transitive) To repeat (the exact words of a person).
The writer quoted the president's speech.
Quote
(transitive) To prepare a summary of work to be done and set a price.
Quote
To name the current price, notably of a financial security.
Quote
(intransitive) To indicate verbally or by equivalent means the start of a quotation.
Quote
(archaic) To observe, to take account of.
Quote
To cite, as a passage from some author; to name, repeat, or adduce, as a passage from an author or speaker, by way of authority or illustration; as, to quote a passage from Homer.
Quote
To cite a passage from; to name as the authority for a statement or an opinion; as, to quote Shakespeare.
Quote
To name the current price of.
Quote
To notice; to observe; to examine.
Quote
To set down, as in writing.
Quote
A note upon an author.
Quote
A punctuation mark used to attribute the enclosed text to someone else
Quote
A passage or expression that is quoted or cited
Quote
Repeat a passage from;
He quoted the Bible to her
Quote
Name the price of;
Quote prices for cars
Quote
Refer to for illustration or proof;
He said he could quote several instances of this behavior
Quote
Put quote marks around;
Here the author is quoting his colleague
Quote
Using someone else’s words, usually with attribution.
He shared a quote about love from a famous poet.
Quote
Providing a price or estimate for a service.
The mechanic will give you a quote for the repairs.
Common Curiosities
Can a motto be a sentence from a speech?
Yes, a motto can originate from a speech but typically becomes a stand-alone phrase representative of wider beliefs or intentions.
Does a motto need to be created by the entity using it?
No, a motto can be adopted from existing phrases or texts if it resonates with the entity’s beliefs or aims.
Can a quote become a motto?
Yes, a quote can become a motto if it succinctly expresses the underlying beliefs or principles of an entity.
Is a quote always inspirational?
No, a quote is merely a repetition of someone else’s words and can convey various emotions or information.
Is it necessary to attribute a motto to a speaker or author?
No, mottos do not require attribution and can be original or adopted phrases.
Can a motto be in any language?
Yes, mottos can be in any language, often chosen for cultural, historical, or impactful resonance.
Can quotes be used in advertising?
Yes, quotes can be used in advertising but may require permission or attribution, depending on the context and source.
How does a motto influence an organization’s culture?
A motto can shape and reflect the values, intentions, or spirit of an organization, influencing its culture and actions.
Are quotes always brief?
Not necessarily, while many quotes are brief, they can also be longer, capturing more context or meaning.
How are quotes utilized in academic writing?
Quotes in academic writing serve to provide evidence, support arguments, or enrich the content, always with proper attribution.
Can a motto be changed easily?
While possible, changes to mottos are often considered carefully due to their symbolic and representative nature.
How does one choose a motto?
Choosing a motto typically involves reflecting on core values, beliefs, or intentions, and succinctly expressing them in a phrase.
Can a quote be modified?
Typically, quotes should be verbatim and true to the original words spoken or written, with any changes explicitly noted.
Are mottos legally protected?
Mottos may be protected under trademark laws if used in a commercial or representative capacity for an entity.
Do quotes always need to be cited?
Ethically and often legally, quotes should be attributed accurately to the original speaker or writer.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
