mind
mynd
Mind (noun) means the part of a person responsible for thought, awareness, memory, and reasoning. Example: “Meditation helps clear her mind before a big decision.”
noun
1
The part of a person responsible for thought, awareness, memory, and reasoning.
"Meditation helps clear her mind before a big decision."
"His mind was racing with possibilities."
"Her mind wandered during the long lecture."
2
An opinion, intention, or attitude.
"She changed her mind about the trip at the last minute."
"I've made up my mind to learn the guitar."
"Speak your mind, because we really want to hear your view."
verb
1
To be bothered by or object to something.
"Would you mind if I opened the window?"
"I don't mind waiting a few extra minutes."
"He doesn't mind the noise because he grew up in a busy city."
2
To look after or take care of someone or something briefly.
"Could you mind the shop while I grab lunch?"
"Would you mind the children for ten minutes while I answer the door?"
"My neighbour minds our cat whenever we go away for the weekend."
3
To be careful about something, or to pay attention to it.
"Mind the gap between the train and the platform."
"Mind your head on the low beam as you go in."
"You should mind what you say when the boss is listening."
How to use mind
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe seat of thinking, memory, and awareness; also a common verb meaning to object to something, to look after something, or to be careful.
Common mistake
"Do you mind if..." asks permission — answering "yes" actually means you object, which trips learners up. "No, I don't mind" is the polite way to agree.
Common pairings
mind the gap
change your mind
mind you
never mind
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Word forms
- Plural
- minds
- Third person singular
- minds
- Past tense
- minded
- Archaic forms
- mindest, mindedst, mindeth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Meditation helps clear her _____ before a big decision.
Etymology
From Old English mynd/gemynd ("mind, memory"), from a Germanic root ultimately tied to the Proto-Indo-European word for "thought" — the same root behind "mental" and "mention".
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for mind
See all rhymes for mind →Frequently asked questions
What does “mind” mean?
The word “mind” means the part of a person responsible for thought, awareness, memory, and reasoning. In plain terms, the seat of thinking, memory, and awareness; also a common verb meaning to object to something, to look after something, or to be careful.
How do you pronounce “mind”?
“Mind” is pronounced mynd (/maɪnd/ in IPA).
How do you use “mind” in a sentence?
Here is “mind” used in a sentence: “Meditation helps clear her mind before a big decision.”
What part of speech is “mind”?
Depending on how it is used, “mind” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “mind” come from?
The word “mind” comes from Old English. From Old English mynd/gemynd ("mind, memory"), from a Germanic root ultimately tied to the Proto-Indo-European word for "thought" — the same root behind "mental" and "mention".
Is “mind” a common word?
“Mind” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “mind” have?
“Mind” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the part of a person responsible for thought, awareness, memory, and reasoning.
What is the difference between the mind and the brain?
The brain is the physical organ inside the head, made of tissue and cells. The mind refers to what the brain does — thinking, feeling, remembering, and being aware. You can see and touch a brain, but not a mind. Many describe the brain as the hardware and the mind as the activity it produces.
What is the difference between mind and soul?
The mind is usually understood as the source of thought, memory, and reasoning, closely tied to the brain. The soul is a spiritual or religious idea, often seen as a person's deeper essence or the part believed to outlast the body. The mind is studied by science; the soul belongs mainly to religion and philosophy.
Can the mind be trained?
Yes. Skills like memory, focus, and reasoning can improve with practice, learning, and habits such as reading or meditation. People speak of training the mind much as they train the body. While natural ability varies, the mind is widely regarded as adaptable, able to form new knowledge and thinking patterns throughout life.
What is an example of mind?
You might say 'she has a sharp mind' to praise someone's quick thinking, or 'it slipped my mind' to mean you forgot. The word also appears in phrases like 'make up your mind,' meaning to decide, and 'peace of mind,' meaning a calm, untroubled state of thought.
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