-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
compos mentis
adjective
com·pos men·tis
ˈkäm-pəs-ˈmen-təs
: of sound mind, memory, and understanding
Synonyms
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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback
about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Latin, literally, having mastery of one's mind
First Known Use
1616, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near compos mentis
Cite this Entry
“Compos mentis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compos%20mentis. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.
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
Etymology
Latin, literally, having possession of one's mind
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share