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

The Huskies continue to preach their ‘one game at a time’ mentality entering the matchup, but Auriemma doesn’t necessarily dissuade players from leaning into some of the intensity of the rivalry. —Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 18 Jan. 2026

Our mentality on offense is go down and score. —Matt Schooley, CBS News, 18 Jan. 2026

Don’t follow the herd mentality. —Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 16 Jan. 2026

The former five-star recruit is big (6-6, 335), powerful and plays with a mauling mentality at the tackle position. —Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Jan. 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