mentality

noun

men·​tal·​i·​ty men-ˈta-lə-tē How to pronounce mentality (audio)
plural mentalities
1
: mental power or capacity : intelligence
2
: mode or way of thought : outlook
the imperialist mentality of the nineteenth centuryJohn Davies

Examples of mentality in a Sentence

most teenagers do not have the mentality to foresee the consequences of such risky behavior
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Hate, once it is unleashed and legitimized, will spread and mutate, targeting other minorities and vulnerable groups and, eventually, anyone who dares to question the mob mentality. Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024 This teamwork mentality has many advantages, particularly when their homes are under construction. Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 24 Oct. 2024 Just having that mentality of coming out fast, not getting our beaks wet. Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 23 Oct. 2024 That all goes back to having that athlete mentality. Ruhama Wolle, Glamour, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mentality 

Word History

First Known Use

1691, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mentality was in 1691

Dictionary Entries Near mentality

Cite this Entry

“Mentality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mentality. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

mentality

noun
men·​tal·​i·​ty men-ˈtal-ət-ē How to pronounce mentality (audio)
plural mentalities
1
: mental power : intelligence
2
: a particular way of thinking : outlook

Medical Definition

mentality

noun
men·​tal·​i·​ty men-ˈtal-ət-ē How to pronounce mentality (audio)
plural mentalities
1
: mental power or capacity
2
: mode or way of thought

More from Merriam-Webster on mentality

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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