mot: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low. Archaic/LiteraryLiterary, archaic, poetic, formal. Rare in contemporary everyday speech.
Quick answer
What does “mot” mean?
A witty or clever remark.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A witty or clever remark; a brief, pithy saying; the main theme of an argument or speech.
An intellectual or literary 'point' made concisely; can refer to a recurring theme in a piece of art or literature; a catchphrase or memorable line.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage, but it is marginally more likely to be encountered in British literary contexts. The term is equally archaic in both varieties.
Connotations
Equally archaic and literary in both. May signal a classical education or pretentiousness.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both. Slightly higher frequency in the UK due to stronger French linguistic influence and the survival of certain literary styles.
Grammar
How to Use “mot” in a Sentence
to coin a motto utter a mota mot on/about [subject]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mot” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not used as a verb)
American English
- (Not used as a verb)
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- (Not used as an adjective)
American English
- (Not used as an adjective)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used rarely in literary criticism, rhetoric, or philosophy to discuss a concise thematic or rhetorical point.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
In linguistics, 'mot' could be used in a technical discussion of French loanwords or translation ('mot-à-mot' for word-for-word).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mot”
- Using 'mot' in casual conversation.
- Pronouncing it as /mɒt/ (like 'mottled') instead of /məʊ/ or /moʊ/.
- Using it without the article 'a' (e.g., 'He said mot' is incorrect; must be 'He said a mot').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost. 'Bon mot' specifically means a 'good word' or witty remark. 'Mot' alone can mean the same but is rarer and more likely to be used in a slightly broader sense meaning 'thematic word' or 'key saying'.
No, it would sound highly affected and archaic. Use 'quip', 'joke', 'remark', or 'witty line' instead.
It is pronounced like 'mow' (as in cutting grass) or 'moat' without the 't'. British: /məʊ/, American: /moʊ/.
The standard plural is 'mots' (pronounced /məʊz/ or /moʊz/), following the French pattern.
A witty or clever remark.
Mot is usually literary, archaic, poetic, formal. rare in contemporary everyday speech. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to have the last mot (rare, modelled on 'have the last word')”
- “mot à mot (word for word, from French)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MOT' as a car test in the UK, but for words – a 'mot' is a brief, tested, and cleverly engineered verbal construct.
Conceptual Metaphor
A WORD IS A PRECIOUS OBJECT (to be coined, crafted, and polished).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'mot' most appropriately used?