Definition

Noun: 1. A very small particle; a speck: A tiny piece of matter, such as a speck of dust, that is often visible only in a beam of light. 2. (Figurative) A minor flaw or fault: Used to denote something insignificant or trivial, often in contrast to a larger issue.

Usage and Examples

• Literal meaning (a tiny particle):
  • A mote of dust danced in the sunbeam.
  • The old book was covered in motes.
• Figurative meaning (a minor fault):
  • He was quick to criticize a mote in his brother's character while ignoring his own flaws.
  • She worried about every little mote of imperfection in her work.

Advanced Usage

• "mote in someone's eye": A biblical allusion (Matthew 7:3-5) used to criticize someone for noticing a trivial fault in another person while ignoring a more serious fault in themselves.
  • He's always pointing out small errors in the report; it's a classic case of the mote in his brother's eye.

Variants and Related Words

• Speck (n): A tiny spot or particle.
• Particle (n): A minute portion of matter.
• Atom (n): (In non-technical use) An extremely small amount of something.
• Mote is an archaic or literary term; in modern everyday language, "speck" or "bit" is more common.

Synonyms

• Speck
• Particle
• Grain
• Iota
• Whit
• Jot

Idioms and Phrases

• The mote in one's eye: The fault one fails to see in oneself while criticizing others.
  • Before you judge her tardiness, consider the mote in your own eye regarding missed deadlines.

Noun

1. (nontechnical usage) a tiny piece of anything