Meaning & Definition of word "Mote"

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    Mote

    /moʊt/

    noun:

    • 1. A tiny piece of substance; a speck.
      • Example: She noticed a mote of dust floating in the sunlight.
    • 2. A particle or small bit of something.
      • Example: He found a mote of hope in the darkest of situations.
    • 3. In a broader sense, it can refer to any small or insignificant thing.
      • Example: To him, her complaints seemed like mere motes in the grand scheme of life.

    Etymology

    Middle English, from Old English 'mot' meaning a speck or tiny particle.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    mote in one's eye:

    A small fault or flaw in someone else that is criticized while ignoring larger faults in oneself.

    Related Words

    dust:

    Tiny particles that accumulate in the air or on surfaces.

    particle:

    A small localized object that can be ascribed physical or chemical properties.

    speck:

    A small mark or spot, especially one that differs in color from its surroundings.

    Slang Meanings of mote