plural minds
1
: the part of a person that thinks, reasons, feels, and remembers
He read great literature to develop/cultivate his mind.
It's important to keep your mind active as you grow older.
He went for a walk to help clear his mind.
the mysteries of the human mind
My mind is always open to new ideas.
You can't argue with him. His mind is closed.
I can't concentrate: my mind is always wandering and I can't keep it focused on anything.
Let me get this clear/straight in my mind [=let me understand this clearly]: are you saying that she was lying to me all along?
I can't get that image out of my mind. = I can't stop seeing that image in my mind. = That image is stuck in my mind.
The smell of pine sends my mind back to childhood.
The sound of her voice jerked my mind back to the present.
My mind tells me it can't work, but my heart tells me I want to try it.
We must appeal to and win (over) the hearts and minds of the people. [=the emotions and the reasoning of the people]
His conscious mind had forgotten the incident, but the memory of it was still buried somewhere in his subconscious/unconscious mind.
There's absolutely no doubt in my mind about his guilt. [=I am sure that he is guilty]
I know you're disappointed by their decision, but you should just put that out of your mind [=stop thinking about that] and go back to work.
I'll handle the schedule. Just put it out of your mind. [=don't think or worry about it]
Is there something on your mind? [=is there something troubling you?; are you worried or bothered about something?]
Why don't you just say what's on your mind? [=why don't you just say what you are thinking?]
I wish there were some way I could ease your (troubled) mind. = I wish there were some way I could set/put your mind at ease/rest. [=could make you stop worrying]
These problems have been preying/weighing on his mind. [=he has been worrying about these problems]
The safety of the children should be foremost/uppermost in all our minds now. [=we should all be thinking most about the safety of the children now]
The idea that we might lose was the furthest thing from my mind. [=I never thought that we might lose]
I have no intention of quitting my job. Nothing could be further from my mind.
She says that getting married again is the last thing on her mind right now. [=she is not thinking at all about getting married again]
What was going/running through your mind [=what were you thinking] when you agreed to do this?
His name slips/escapes my mind at the moment. [=I can't remember his name]
Note: If something (such as an illness) is all in your/the mind, you are imagining it.
Note: If your mind is set on something or you have your mind set on something, you are very determined to do or to get something.
It's important to be healthy in both body and mind.
He's in a bad/good state of mind. [=he's in a bad/good mood]
Installing a security system in your home will give you greater peace of mind. [=a feeling of being safe or protected]
2
—used to describe the way a person thinks or the intelligence of a person
She has a brilliant mind.
He has an inquisitive/inquiring mind.
He's an evil man with a warped/twisted mind.
He's recognized as having one of the sharpest minds [=intellects] in this field.
3
—used in phrases that describe someone as mentally ill or crazy
There's something wrong with him. He's not in his right mind. [=he is mentally ill]
No one in their right mind would try such a stunt. = Who in their right mind would try such a stunt?
(law) She claims that her father was not of sound mind when he changed his will. = She claims her father was of unsound mind. [=was not sane or rational]
—usually used informally in an exaggerated wayWhat a ridiculous idea! You must be out of your mind [=crazy] to believe that.
I was (going) out of my mind with worry. [=I was extremely worried]
I feel like I'm losing my mind. = I feel like I'm going out of my mind. [=I feel like I'm going crazy]
That noise is driving me out of my mind! [=driving me crazy]
Note: The phrase out of your mind is also used informally to make a statement stronger.
4
: a very intelligent person
Many of the world's greatest minds in physics will be attending the convention.
5
: a particular way of thinking about a situation
Everyone at the meeting was of like mind [=everyone agreed] about how to proceed.
She is of the same mind as me. [=she agrees with me]
We're all of one mind about him [=we all agree about him]: he's the one we want.
To/In my mind, that's wrong.
6
: attention that is given to a person or thing
Try to relax and take/get/keep your mind off your problems. [=stop thinking about your problems]
I'm finding it hard to keep my mind on my work. [=to concentrate on my work]
After finishing work on the remodeling project, she was able to turn her mind to [=direct her attention to; work on] other matters.
Don't pay him any mind. [=don't pay attention to him; ignore him]
He kept talking but she paid him no mind.
You shouldn't pay any/much mind to what he says.
minds; minded; minding
1
not used in progressive tenses
: to be bothered by (something) : to object to or dislike (something)
I mind it greatly [=it bothers me very much] when people are rude.
I don't mind the rain. = I don't mind if it rains. [=the rain doesn't bother me]
I don't mind making dinner. [=I am willing to make dinner; making dinner does not bother me]
I wouldn't mind having a piece of pie myself. [=I would like to have a piece of pie too]
It was raining, but I didn't mind.
Our flight was delayed—not that I minded [=I was not bothered by it], since I was late getting to the airport myself.
I'd like another cupcake, if you don't mind. [=if it is all right with you]
2
: to care about or worry about (something or someone)
They don't seem to mind where they sit. = They seem not to mind where they sit.
I don't mind very much what happens.
"Why is he so angry?" "Oh, don't mind him. He's always complaining about something."
Don't mind me [=don't worry about or pay attention to me]: I'll be all right.
3
a
—used to make a polite request
Do you mind me/my sitting here? [=would you be bothered if I sat here?]
Do you mind if I smoke? = Would you mind if I smoked?
Would you mind doing me a small favor?
I'm tired. Would you mind leaving a little early? = Would you mind it if we left a little early?
b
—used in phrases with if when you have said something that might bother or upset someone
How old are you, if you don't mind my/me asking? [=may I ask how old you are?; would you be offended if I asked how old you are?]
You look a bit old for this job, if you don't mind my/me saying so. [=if I may say so]
c
—used in informal phrases with I
"Would you like another cup of coffee?" "Thank you: I don't mind if I do!" [=yes, I'd like another cup]
I was shocked by the news, I don't mind telling you! [=I must say/admit that I was shocked by the news]
I don't mind saying/admitting that I was very disappointed by her decision.
d
—used in informal phrases that show anger or annoyance
"That old woman's a real pain!" "Do you MIND!? That's my mother you're talking about!"
"Let me help you with that." "I'll do it myself, if you don't mind!"
4
US
: to do what you are told to do by (someone) : obey
Mind your parents!
5
: to take care of (something or someone) : to watch or be in charge of (something or someone)
Who's going to mind the office while you're away?
Who's minding the children?
6
a
: to be careful about (something)
You'd better mind what you say.
Mind your tongue/language! [=stop saying offensive or improper things]
His mother told him to mind his manners. [=to behave in a polite and proper way]
(chiefly Brit) Mind how you behave when we get there.
b
chiefly British
—used to tell someone to be aware of something that could be a problem or danger
The wind is very strong: mind your hat!
Mind the broken glass! [=watch out for the broken glass]
Mind the missing step!
c
chiefly British
—used to tell someone to be sure to do something or to be careful to prevent something from happening
Mind [=make sure] you've finished the project before he gets back!
Mind he doesn't lose his ticket!
Cite this Entry
“Mind.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/mind. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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