attitude

noun

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at·ti·tude | \ ˈa-tə-ˌtüd

, -ˌtyüd \

Definition of attitude

1 : the arrangement of the parts of a body or figure : posture depicted her in a reclining attitude

2 : a position assumed for a specific purpose a threatening attitude

3 : a ballet position similar to the arabesque in which the raised leg is bent at the knee

4a : a mental position with regard to a fact or state a helpful attitude

b : a feeling or emotion toward a fact or state a negative attitude an optimistic attitude

5 : the position of a craft (such as an aircraft or spacecraft) determined by the relationship between its axes and a reference datum (such as the horizon or a particular star)

6 : a bodily state of readiness to respond in a characteristic way to a stimulus (such as an object, concept, or situation)

7a : a negative or hostile state of mind

b : a cool, cocky, defiant, or arrogant manner He was showing some attitude in practice today, so the coach benched him.

Synonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing attitude Learn More About attitude

Examples of attitude in a Sentence

He has a positive attitude about the changes. She's friendly and has a good attitude. You need to change your bad attitude. There's been a change in his attitude since his accident. I don't know what her problem is. She has a real attitude. I suggest you get rid of that attitude and shape up. He was showing some attitude during practice today, so the coach benched him. See More

Recent Examples on the Web But his attitude of asking questions about film is so nice. — Dennis Lim, The New Yorker, 15 May 2022 Initially his attitude had been excellent after his first parole in late 1944. — BostonGlobe.com, 14 May 2022 Peek, who studies disasters, said the victims of the early phases of the pandemic were treated similarly, but that this attitude changed when vaccines became available. — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 12 May 2022 This attitude yields not just greater visual daring but also less preciousness. — Julie Lasky, ELLE Decor, 27 Apr. 2022 This attitude also explains why more automakers (especially Kia and Ford) are offering 24-month leases instead of the typical 36 months. — Clifford Atiyeh, Car and Driver, 23 Apr. 2022 Their attitude has been wonderful, in terms of just working together to get this thing right. — Broderick Turnerstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2022 Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski was complimentary of Davis, saying his attitude has been the perfect way to preserve tradition while at the same time rebranding. — Scott Gleeson, USA TODAY, 1 Apr. 2022 Their attitude was that, by making things as easy as possible for developers, the team would then work to solve the various problems that would undoubtedly arise. — Trilby Beresford, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Mar. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'attitude.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.