Synonyms

mindset

American

[mahynd-set] / ˈmaɪndˌsɛt /

Or mind-set

noun

a fixed attitude, disposition, or mood.

His conservative mindset sometimes causes him to miss out on important opportunities.
Her judgmental mindset has cost her a number of friendships.
an intention or inclination.

I'm not sure what her mindset will be when you ask her about her plans.

Etymology

Origin of mindset

First recorded in 1905–10; mind ( def. ) + set ( def. )

Compare meaning

How does mindset compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

mentality vs. mindset

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Chesney’s core philosophies include fostering a growth mindset and instilling confidence through competitions in which the celebrations are judged as closely as what happens on the field.

From Los Angeles Times

Those pressures mean the mindset of the younger generation is changing, "especially when comparing my grandparents' political and economic views to my own", said communications officer Namfon Sirithirath, 30.

From Barron's

“That’s our mindset and in our blood. There were a couple years we knew we were overmatched. We have a good team. We can compete with any team in the country.”

From Los Angeles Times

I felt comforted knowing that I’m not alone and buoyed by their message that adjusting their mindset gave them strength when they were at the end of their rope.

From The Wall Street Journal

During 40 years of wars in southern Sudan, Darfur and elsewhere, this mindset has meant that Sudan's leaders spurn formulas for peace offered by mediators.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023