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

Preparation and mentality could be the difference-maker Sunday afternoon – which is where the mind gym comes in. —Haley Sawyer, Daily News, 4 Apr. 2026

The 6-foot-2 Vellenga boasts superb athleticism and bounce off the floor with a relentless mentality. —Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026

The energy crises of the 1970s put the nail in the coffin of that mentality. —Matt Peterson, CNBC, 1 Apr. 2026

That mentality served Wembanyama well Monday against Chicago. —Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 31 Mar. 2026

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