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

Speaking with the media on Wednesday, Beckham continued to express gratitude for the reunion while also embracing an underdog mentality. —Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 4 June 2026

Caruso said that with last year’s expansion involving only two new teams, the Seattle Torrent and Vancouver Goldeneyes, the original six franchises made their roster protection decisions in more of a ‘win-now mentality’. —Theodore Tollefson, Twin Cities, 4 June 2026

That mentality carried into the Knicks’ first postseason berth since 1999. —Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 3 June 2026

With the Dolphins now fully leaning into this run-first mentality, Brewer’s presence will become even more important. —Miami Herald, 2 June 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