compos mentis

adjective

com·​pos men·​tis ˈkäm-pəs-ˈmen-təs 

: of sound mind, memory, and understanding

Synonyms

• balanced
• clearheaded
• lucid
• normal
• right
• sane
• stable

Examples of compos mentis in a Sentence

went to court to prove that her grandmother was no longer compos mentis and needed a legal guardian

Recent Examples on the Web

Second, and more important, while Biden’s voice may be faltering, and some of his sentences rest incomplete, there is little question which candidate is less compos mentis than the other. —Jack Rakove, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin, literally, having mastery of one's mind

First Known Use

1616, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

compos mentis

adjective

com·​pos men·​tis ˌkäm-pə-ˈsment-əs 

: of sound mind, memory, and understanding

Legal Definition

compos mentis

adjective

com·​pos men·​tis ˈkäm-pəs-ˈmen-təs, ˈkȯm-pȯs-ˈmen-tis 

: competent

Etymology

Latin, literally, having possession of one's mind