mentality

[ men-tal-i-tee ]

noun

, plural men·tal·i·ties.

1. mental capacity or endowment:

   a person of average mentality.

2. the set of one's mind; view; outlook:

   a liberal mentality.

mentality

/ mɛnˈtælɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of mental or intellectual ability
2. a way of thinking; mental inclination or character

   his weird mentality

Other Words From

• super·men·tali·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of mentality¹

First recorded in 1685–95; mental ¹ + -ity

Example Sentences

It’s not hard to see how a mentality that revolves around seeing what already works and replicating it came to dominate our industry.

From Search Engine Watch

Duvernay-Tardif entered the job with what he described as a “medical student mentality,” focused on the treatment of patients.

From Washington Post

That means pondering what you’d do if certain events happen with an if-this, then-that mentality.

From Popular-Science

You wonder if one had gone in and we’d been in front if the mentality of the last few minutes wouldn’t have been different.

From Washington Post

In the regular season, the NFL could maintain its next-man-up mentality and plow ahead.

From Washington Post

“After the New York mentality, it is the ultimate contrast to see people making things by hand,” he said.

From The Daily Beast

Within the black community itself, the slave mentality is still being battled.

From The Daily Beast

For Republicans, the sitzkreig mentality will only grow after the midterms, even and especially if they take the Senate.

From The Daily Beast

So does his comment about treason, which plugs into the mentality of those accusing the President of sedition and disloyalty.

From The Daily Beast

Many found this to echo a Stepford Wife mentality of women: Women like stories and language, not impersonal, cold, manly numbers!

From The Daily Beast

The high pitch represents mentality, the esthetic phases of beauty, and much brilliancy.

From Project Gutenberg

And as bronze reflects the light, her mentality seemed to reflect all the cold lights in her nature.

From Project Gutenberg

Supposed religious vocations, especially when of sudden development, are sometimes no more than an index of disturbed mentality.

From Project Gutenberg

Hesitatingly she came forward, and Houston's dulled mentality at last took cognizance that a hand was extended slightly.

From Project Gutenberg

But mentality and spirit cannot be bought—only labour and dexterity.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• attitude
• character
• mind
• mindset
• outlook
• personality
• psychology
• sense
• understanding