Main Entry:

at·ti·tude

Pronunciation:

\ˈa-tə-ˌtüd, -ˌtyüd\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

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

Date:

1668

1: the arrangement of the parts of a body or figure : posture2: 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 knee4 a: a mental position with regard to a fact or state <a helpful attitude> b: a feeling or emotion toward a fact or state5: 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