state of mind

[ steyt uhv mahynd ]

idiom

1. a person’s mental or emotional condition, especially at a given point in time:

   Subtle touches like scratched-out mistakes and underlined words can give us insight into the author’s state of mind while she was writing.

   The state of mind or mental stability of the defendant also needs to be taken into consideration.

2. a general outlook on life, the world, the future, etc.:

   Youth is not a time of life; it is a state of mind.

   Marriage is a state of mind and a way of life.

Word History and Origins

Origin of state of mind¹

First recorded in 1630–40

Example Sentences

But that history is constantly being readjusted and reconfigured depending on the narrator’s state of mind and the different versions they’re confronted with when they bump up against other people’s memories and narratives.

From Los Angeles Times

And, sure, it could just be that her matter-of-fact, unequivocal delivery that she’d rather be dead than poor is so halting to him, considering his state of mind.

From Los Angeles Times

"I never thought they were in the right state of mind to sign anything," she said.

From BBC

When you’re overtaken by grief, it’s a dark time, and you might not have the clearest state of mind.

From Los Angeles Times

"She got herself into such a state, she had no idea how to use it, it was just that state of mind," she said.

From BBC

Related Words

• disposition
• mindset
• mood
• temperament

Quiz

Q: Fill in the blank: "Salchipapas" is a portmanteau of the Spanish words for ______ and ______.

• salt and potatoes
• sausage and French fries
• sardines and French fries

Take the full quiz.Go to all quizzes