mantra

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "mantra" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to refer to a repeated phrase or slogan that expresses a belief or principle. Example: "Her mantra for success is 'never give up.'" Alternative expressions include "slogan" and "motto."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In his first campaign speech, Sabbahi also claimed to carry the flame for Egypt's revolution – a mantra that implicitly positions Sisi as the establishment figure.

The Guardian

"Fast food with real ingredients" is the mantra of Loco'l, set up by street food guru Roy Choi and two-Michelin-starred chef Daniel Patterson.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But building on the green belt breaks that politicians' mantra: the losers shouldn't realise their fate.

The Guardian - Opinion

Jane was very reluctant to explain how she worked – her favourite mantra was "photographers should neither be seen nor heard".

The Guardian - Arts

"Can you give us some more details on your spending plans?" became the mantra of every question.

The Guardian

Jenkins, in the face of falling profits, abandoned his "pay for performance" mantra and instead spouted feeble lines about the risk of a "death spiral"– a tired old cliche, as Robert Pickering, successful former boss of Cazenove, said this week.

The Guardian - Business

Yet old habits die hard: the notion that finance should be free to set its own rules has been the mantra of most economists and politicians for several decades.

The Guardian - Opinion

Len McCluskey, the Unite general secretary, has said that Labour must shake off its "austerity-lite" mantra and put forward a "radical vision of hope" at the next election or risk losing union support and becoming an irrelevance on the fringes of British politics.

The Guardian

The mantra is "cure and care" and not "cure or care" because quality of life is the key.

The Guardian

Now Cameron's mantra is that Britain should remain a member of a "reformed" EU.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mercy is such an emotive song, and links to Celaena's character through the lyrics (lead me in chains, fill me with rage) and the conquering beat of the song sounds almost like a battle mantra.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mantra", ensure the context clearly establishes whether you are referring to a religious practice or a secular, metaphorical usage.

Common error

Avoid using "mantra" to describe a phrase that lacks depth or genuine commitment. A true "mantra" should represent a core belief or guiding principle, not just a superficial slogan.

Linguistic Context

The word "mantra" functions primarily as a noun. It refers to a word or phrase that is frequently repeated, often encapsulating a belief or guiding principle. As illustrated by Ludwig AI, this usage extends from spiritual practices to secular contexts like business and politics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "mantra" is a noun that describes a frequently repeated phrase or guiding principle, applicable in both spiritual and secular contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and very common, especially in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. While its origins are religious, the term has broadened to encompass any core belief or strategy. Related alternatives include "guiding principle", "core belief", and "catchphrase". A key writing tip is to reserve "mantra" for phrases that genuinely represent core beliefs, avoiding its use for superficial slogans. The authoritative sources, such as The Guardian and The Economist, demonstrate its widespread and appropriate use in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

guiding principle

Focuses on the idea that the mantra serves as a fundamental rule or belief that directs actions and decisions.

core belief

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the mantra as a deeply held conviction.

catchphrase

Highlights the memorable and easily repeated quality of the mantra.

repeated slogan

Stresses the repetitive use of the phrase to reinforce its message.

recurring theme

Indicates that the mantra is a central idea that appears frequently in discussions or actions.

prevailing motto

Suggests the mantra is a widely accepted expression of purpose or ideal.

governing philosophy

Implies the mantra represents a set of beliefs that influence behavior and thought.

central tenet

Emphasizes the mantra's role as a key doctrine or principle within a system of beliefs.

key principle

Underscores the mantra's importance as a foundational element of a strategy or belief system.

driving force

Focuses on the mantra's motivational role in inspiring action and determination.

FAQs

How can I use "mantra" in a sentence?

The word "mantra" can be used to describe a guiding principle or a frequently repeated phrase. For example, "Her personal mantra is 'always be kind'."

What's a good alternative to using the word "mantra"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "guiding principle", "core belief", or "catchphrase".

Is it correct to use "mantra" in a business context?

Yes, it is common to use "mantra" in business to refer to a guiding principle or slogan that encapsulates the company's values or strategy. For example, "Our company's mantra is 'customer satisfaction above all else'."

What is the origin of the word "mantra"?

The word "mantra" originates from Hinduism and Buddhism, where it refers to a sacred utterance or phrase that is repeated during meditation. However, its use has expanded to include secular contexts as well.