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

Cole talked about his mentality headed into Sunday’s final round at Colonial. —Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 May 2026

This kind of mentality should never be applauded. —Elizabeth Keifer, Hartford Courant, 29 May 2026

One of the most dominant players of his generation credits Sean Sweeney with helping shape his mindset and mentality. —Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 May 2026

Six Premier League titles, Champions League glory and a relentless winning mentality transformed City into one of Europe’s elite clubs under the Spaniard’s leadership. —Dean Jones, New York Times, 28 May 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