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

The enterprise futurist mentality helps organizations build innovative digital products. —Sudhanshu Duggal, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025

This spring, there is a new mentality in Royals camp. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 18 Feb. 2025

Beating him is even bigger than having that belt around your waist, so that's also a factor – a mentality factor. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025

Aside from the discussions around team selection, almost every question at the press conference ahead of the trip to Villa Park was centred around mentality. —Gregg Evans, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025

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