mote: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowLiterary, Archaic
Quick answer
What does “mote” mean?
A tiny particle or speck of dust, often visible in a ray of light.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A tiny particle or speck of dust, often visible in a ray of light.
Something insignificant or trivial. Historically, a reference to a tiny fault, as in the biblical phrase 'mote in one's eye'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical and equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Poetic or biblical; no modern colloquial connotation.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both, with a slight edge in UK due to more common reference to the King James Bible.
Grammar
How to Use “mote” in a Sentence
A mote [of NP] (e.g., a mote of dust)the mote in NP's eyeVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare, except in literary analysis or historical/religious texts.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be used for poetic effect.
Technical
Not used in scientific contexts; 'particle' or 'speck' is preferred.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mote”
- Confusing 'mote' with 'moat' (a ditch around a castle).
- Using it in modern technical or casual contexts.
- Misspelling as 'moat'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered literary or archaic. Its primary modern use is in the fixed phrase 'mote in someone's eye'.
They are synonyms, but 'speck' is the standard modern word. 'Mote' carries a poetic or old-fashioned tone.
No, 'mote' is exclusively a noun in modern English. The archaic verb 'mote' meant 'may' or 'might' (as in 'so mote it be') and is unrelated in meaning.
Because they are homophones (sound the same) in most dialects. A 'moat' is a deep, wide ditch, usually filled with water, surrounding a castle.
A tiny particle or speck of dust, often visible in a ray of light.
Mote is usually literary, archaic in register.
Mote: in British English it is pronounced /məʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /moʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a mote in someone's eye (a minor fault in another person, while ignoring a major one in oneself)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a tiny, floating NOTE of dust—a MOTE.
Conceptual Metaphor
TRIVIALITY / MINOR FAULT IS A TINY PARTICLE.
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts is 'mote' most appropriately used?