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

• 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

In the eyes of the former NFL MVP Joe Theismann, Daniels doesn't possess the kind of gene that would force that mentality. —Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025

Fast is really decision-making, playing with a ‘.5’ mentality. —James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 12 July 2025

This immigrant mentality is what has made America great, according to Afeyan. —Matt Durot, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025

That mentality is something McNeeley hopes others heed daily. —Roderick Boone updated July 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1691, 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