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

Indiana senior linebacker Aiden Fisher, the heartbeat of the Hoosiers’ defense with 75 tackles and a pair of interceptions despite injuries this season, has seen that outside-of-the-box mentality of small programs since starting his career at James Madison with Cignetti. —Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 31 Dec. 2025

Mauigoa, a former five-star recruit, is big (6-6, 325), powerful, athletic and plays with a mauling mentality at the tackle position. —Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Dec. 2025

That mentality has defined their relationship. —Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 23 Dec. 2025

All three films exist within an insiders’ New York, inhabited by the hustler mentality of their main characters. —Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 22 Dec. 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