attitude
A-tih-tyood
Attitude (noun) means a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something. Example: “His positive attitude helped the whole team stay motivated.”
noun
1
A settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something.
"His positive attitude helped the whole team stay motivated."
"Her attitude towards learning languages changed once she began to enjoy it."
"I don't like your attitude to other people's opinions; try to listen more."
2
A physical posture or way of holding the body.
"The statue was carved in a dramatic attitude of triumph."
"The dancer held a graceful attitude, with one arm raised above her head."
"He sat in a relaxed attitude, legs stretched out and hands behind his neck."
3
Confident or defiant behavior, sometimes seen as rude or uncooperative.
"The new intern had a bit of an attitude on his first day."
"Don't give me attitude just because you were told to tidy your room."
"The waiter had a lot of attitude and barely looked at us."
How to use attitude
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA way of thinking, a bodily posture, or (informally) a defiant, sassy manner.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
positive attitude
change your attitude
have an attitude
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Word forms
- Plural
- attitudes
- Third person singular
- attitudes
- Past tense
- attituded
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His positive _____ helped the whole team stay motivated.
Etymology
From Italian attitudine, "aptness, posture," ultimately from Latin words for "fitness" and "acting" — making it a doublet of "aptitude."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for attitude
See all rhymes for attitude →Frequently asked questions
What does “attitude” mean?
The word “attitude” means a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something. In plain terms, a way of thinking, a bodily posture, or (informally) a defiant, sassy manner.
How do you pronounce “attitude”?
“Attitude” is pronounced A-tih-tyood (/ˈætɪˌtjuːd/ in IPA).
How do you use “attitude” in a sentence?
Here is “attitude” used in a sentence: “His positive attitude helped the whole team stay motivated.”
What part of speech is “attitude”?
“Attitude” is a noun.
Where does the word “attitude” come from?
The word “attitude” comes from Latin. From Italian attitudine, "aptness, posture," ultimately from Latin words for "fitness" and "acting" — making it a doublet of "aptitude.".
Is “attitude” a common word?
“Attitude” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “attitude” have?
“Attitude” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something.
What is the difference between attitude and aptitude?
Attitude is a settled way of thinking or feeling — your mindset or outlook toward someone or something. Aptitude is a natural ability or talent for a particular activity. One describes how you feel; the other describes what you are good at. A positive attitude helps, but aptitude is raw capability.
Can attitude be changed?
Yes. Although attitudes are settled and can feel fixed, they are learned rather than innate, and they can shift through new experiences, reflection, and deliberate effort. Reframing how you view a situation, or exposure to different perspectives, can gradually reshape a long-held attitude. Change takes time but is entirely possible.
Is attitude a positive or negative word?
Attitude itself is neutral — you can hold a positive or negative one. Context sets the tone. 'A great attitude' is clearly a compliment, while informally 'having an attitude' or 'attitude problem' implies a defiant, uncooperative manner. The word only becomes good or bad once it is described.
Why is attitude important?
Attitude shapes how you interpret events, respond to setbacks, and treat other people, so it strongly influences behaviour and outcomes. A constructive attitude builds resilience, motivation, and better relationships, while a negative one can hold you back regardless of ability. It often affects success as much as skill does.
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