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 of mentality

• sense
• intelligence
• intellect
• reason

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

One big characteristic of the Arab mentality is that things are repeated all the time. —Martin Dale, Variety, 22 Nov. 2025

Our retail stores have always reflected this mentality, and the store concept created over 15 years ago was about the floor-to-ceiling denim walls. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 20 Nov. 2025

His little digs at mentality in the States grated at first. —Phil Hay, New York Times, 19 Nov. 2025

McPherson has been impressed by Sanders’ team-first mentality and leadership in his second season. —Charlotte Observer, 19 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing mentality

• bunker mentality
• herd mentality
• siege mentality
• victim mentality

Rhymes for mentality

• banality
• bestiality
• brutality
• carnality
• centrality
• chirality
• duality
• fatality
• finality
• formality
• frugality
• legality

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