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

• brain(s)
• brainpower
• gray matter
• headpiece
• intellect
• intellectuality
• intelligence
• reason
• sense
• smarts

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

While a bigger-is-better mentality has been a long-time case and bracelet trend, some of the most popular men’s watch styles have shrunk in size to 36 or 38mm, which also happens to compliment the rise in genderless watch designs. —Yoni Yardeni, WWD, 21 July 2024

Rather than chasing trends, Ho’s work strives to interrupt the mentality that encourages diners to consume without thinking about tipped wages, farmworker labor, or the choreographed media hype that buttresses trendy new spots and acclaimed chefs. —Leo Kirts, Them, 19 July 2024

That mentality has likely factored into companies’ choice against allowing even a little bit of extra time off. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 18 July 2024

One thing that defines Trump as a politician is his willingness to divide for political effect — creating an us-versus-them mentality in his voters. —Aaron Blake, Washington Post, 18 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1691, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing mentality

• bunker mentality
• herd mentality
• siege mentality
• victim mentality

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