attitude

at·ti·tude

noun \ˈa-tə-ˌtüd, -ˌtyüd\

Definition of ATTITUDE

1

: the arrangement of the parts of a body or figure : posture

2

: a position assumed for a specific purpose <a threatening attitude>

3

: a ballet position similar to the arabesque in which the raised leg is bent at the knee

4

a : a mental position with regard to a fact or state <a helpful attitude>

b : a feeling or emotion toward a fact or state

5

: the position of an aircraft or spacecraft determined by the relationship between its axes and a reference datum (as the horizon or a particular star)

6

: an organismic state of readiness to respond in a characteristic way to a stimulus (as an object, concept, or situation)

7

a : a negative or hostile state of mind

b : a cool, cocky, defiant, or arrogant manner

Examples of ATTITUDE

1. He has a positive attitude about the changes.
2. She's friendly and has a good attitude.
3. You need to change your bad attitude.
4. There's been a change in his attitude since his accident.
5. I don't know what her problem is. She has a real attitude.
6. I suggest you get rid of that attitude and shape up.
7. He was showing some attitude during practice today, so the coach benched him.

Origin of ATTITUDE

French, from Italian attitudine, literally, aptitude, from Late Latin aptitudin-, aptitudo fitness — more at aptitude

First Known Use: 1668

Related to ATTITUDE

Synonyms

posture, carriage, poise, stance, station

Related Words

attention; body language; pose, seat; bearing, behavior, conduct, demeanor, deportment; air, poise, presence; aspect, look, mien

Other Dance Terms

honor, saltatory, sashay, taw

at·ti·tude

noun \ˈat-ə-ˌt(y)üd\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of ATTITUDE

1

: the arrangement of the parts of the body : posture

2

a : a mental position with regard to a fact or state b : a feeling or emotion toward a fact or state

3

: an organismic state of readiness to respond in a characteristic way to a stimulus (as an object, concept, or situation)

attitude

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

In psychology, a mental position with regard to a fact or state. Attitudes reflect a tendency to classify objects and events and to react to them with some consistency. Attitudes are not directly observable but rather are inferred from the objective, evaluative responses a person makes. Thus, investigators depend heavily on behavioral indicators of attitudes—what people say, how they respond to questionnaires, or such physiological signs as changes in heart rate. Attitude research is employed by social psychologists, advertising professionals, and political scientists, among others. Public-opinion researchers often attempt to distinguish attitudes from related concepts such as values, opinions, and knowledge.