mantra
UK: ˈmæn.trə | US: ˈmɑːn.trə
n. a word or phrase repeated frequently, often in meditation or prayer
n. a guiding principle or belief
The word "mantra" originates from Sanskrit, where "man" refers to the mind or thought, and "-tra" signifies an instrument. Thus, a mantra is literally a "tool for the mind"—a phrase or sound used to focus thought, often in spiritual or meditative practices. Over time, it broadened to mean any repeated phrase or guiding principle.
She chanted a mantra to calm her nerves before the speech.
"Customer first" is the company's business mantra.
The yoga instructor taught them a traditional Sanskrit mantra.
He repeated his personal mantra: "Stay focused and keep going."
Ancient texts describe mantras as powerful tools for transformation.