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

Those resilient foundations, and that never-say-die mentality, feel badly shaken. — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Many credit Brunson’s mentality and leadership for the Knicks’ first NBA championship since 1973. — Doha Madani, NBC news, 9 Sep. 2026

If the entire roster brings that mentality into Saturday, then the Horned Frogs should have no problem rolling in their home opener. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2026

This will be Simmons’ fourth college start, and his mentality seems built for the long haul in the SEC. — Pj Green september 8, Kansas City Star, 8 Sep. 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