mentality

noun

men·​tal·​i·​ty men-ˈta-lə-tē 

plural mentalities

1

: mental power or capacity : intelligence

2

: mode or way of thought : outlook

the imperialist mentality of the nineteenth century

—John Davies

Synonyms

• brain(s)
• brainpower
• gray matter
• headpiece
• intellect
• intellectuality
• intelligence
• reason
• sense
• smarts

Examples of mentality in a Sentence

most teenagers do not have the mentality to foresee the consequences of such risky behavior

Recent Examples on the Web

Or soak up lessons on mentality and mound presence on flights and bus rides and so many quiet moments in the dugout? —Andrew Baggarly, The Athletic, 12 Dec. 2024

This change in mentality was visible in subsequent votes. —Jon McGowan, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

Chloe Fineman's Favorite Saturday Night Live Holiday Skit Features Her Dog (Exclusive) Fineman also explains the mentality Shannon had about the show each season. —Marina Watts, People.com, 7 Dec. 2024

The score-first, ask-questions-later mentality that defined his breakout campaign has morphed into a more nuanced approach. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 5 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1691, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing mentality

• bunker mentality
• herd mentality
• siege mentality
• victim mentality

Kids Definition

mentality

noun

men·​tal·​i·​ty men-ˈtal-ət-ē 

plural mentalities

1

: mental power : intelligence

2

: a particular way of thinking : outlook

Medical Definition

mentality

noun

men·​tal·​i·​ty men-ˈtal-ət-ē 

plural mentalities

1

: mental power or capacity

2

: mode or way of thought