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

To keep audiences interested and group chats well fed, an evolve-or-die mentality has to be adopted. — Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026

Having practiced against us every day, the mentality and the mindset of the defense is different. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Aug. 2026

This extended take, at times following the smooth ride through the streets and sometimes running ahead, morphs into a strange yet ominous slow-motion chase, revealing both the neighborhood’s geography and its abiding mentality. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 11 Aug. 2026

The competition within his new-look room has bred a relentless mentality that could result in a big year for the Jackets’ front. — Fisher Isbell, AJC.com, 11 Aug. 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