sane
Sane (adj) means having a healthy, rational mind; not mentally disturbed. Example: “After weeks of chaos, a quiet weekend kept her sane.”
How to use sane
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMentally healthy and rational, or just plain sensible.
Word forms
saner comparative, sanest superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
After weeks of chaos, a quiet weekend kept her _____.
Etymology
A learned borrowing from Latin sanus, meaning "healthy" — the same root gives us "sanity" and "sanitary".
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for sane
See all rhymes for sane →Frequently asked questions
What does “sane” mean?
The word “sane” means having a healthy, rational mind; not mentally disturbed. In plain terms, mentally healthy and rational, or just plain sensible.
How do you pronounce “sane”?
“Sane” is pronounced sayn (/seɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “sane” in a sentence?
Here is “sane” used in a sentence: “After weeks of chaos, a quiet weekend kept her sane.”
What is another word for “sane”?
Words with a similar meaning to “sane” include balanced, compos mentis, in possession of one's faculties, lucid, rational and reasonable.
What is the opposite of “sane”?
The opposite of “sane” — its antonyms — are insane, unbalanced, crazy, nonsane and unsane.
What part of speech is “sane”?
“Sane” is an adjective.
Where does the word “sane” come from?
The word “sane” comes from Latin. A learned borrowing from Latin sanus, meaning "healthy" — the same root gives us "sanity" and "sanitary".
Is “sane” a common word?
“Sane” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between sane and rational?
"Sane" describes having a healthy, functioning mind overall, or a plan that is sensible, while "rational" more narrowly describes thinking or reasoning that follows logic. A person can be sane but still make an irrational choice in a single instance, whereas "rational" focuses specifically on the logic behind a decision.
Can sane describe a plan or decision, not just a person?
Yes, "sane" is commonly used to describe a plan, decision, or approach that is sensible and reasonable, not just a person's mental state. For example, "a sane budget" means a realistic and reasonable one, extending the word beyond its clinical sense.
Is sane a formal or clinical term?
"Sane" can be used both in everyday speech, to mean sensible or level-headed, and in more formal legal or medical contexts, where it refers to having a healthy, rational mind not affected by mental disturbance. The intended sense usually depends on context.