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 : 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