noun
Uncommon
mentality
mehn-TA-luh-tee
Mentality (noun) means a particular way of thinking, or a set of attitudes shared by a person or group. Example: “The team had a winning mentality all season.”
noun
1
A particular way of thinking, or a set of attitudes shared by a person or group.
"Before he can succeed, he will have to shed the mentality that he can get by without hard work."
"The team had a winning mentality all season."
"A scarcity mentality can make people hoard resources unnecessarily."
"Moving abroad changed her mentality, and she became far more relaxed about plans."
How to use mentality
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA characteristic mindset or attitude.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
winning mentality
victim mentality
change your mentality
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Word forms
- Plural
- mentalities
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The team had a winning _____ all season.
Etymology
From mental + -ity.
Related words
Rhymes for mentality
See all rhymes for mentality →Frequently asked questions
What does “mentality” mean?
The word “mentality” means a particular way of thinking, or a set of attitudes shared by a person or group. In plain terms, a characteristic mindset or attitude.
How do you pronounce “mentality”?
“Mentality” is pronounced mehn-TA-luh-tee (/mɛnˈtæləti/ in IPA).
How do you use “mentality” in a sentence?
Here is “mentality” used in a sentence: “The team had a winning mentality all season.”
What part of speech is “mentality”?
“Mentality” is a noun.
Is “mentality” a common word?
“Mentality” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between mentality and attitude?
Mentality refers to a broader way of thinking or a set of attitudes shared by a person or group, often describing an ingrained mindset. Attitude usually refers to a more specific feeling or stance toward a particular thing, situation, or person.
What is the difference between mentality and mindset?
Mentality and mindset are very close in meaning, both describing a characteristic way of thinking. Mentality is sometimes used with a slightly more critical or generalising tone, as in "a herd mentality," while mindset is often used in neutral or motivational contexts, as in "a growth mindset."
Can mentality describe a group rather than a person?
Yes, mentality commonly describes a set of attitudes shared by a group, not just an individual, as in "a competitive mentality" among a team or "a wartime mentality" among a population.
