noun
Uncommon
sanity
SAN-uh-tee
Sanity (noun) means the state of having a healthy, rational mind. Example: “Doctors questioned the defendant's sanity.”
noun
1
The state of having a healthy, rational mind.
"Doctors questioned the defendant's sanity."
"A short walk each day helps her hold onto her sanity during exam season."
2
Sound, sensible judgement or behaviour.
"There's a certain sanity in sticking to a simple budget."
How to use sanity
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBeing mentally sound, or more loosely, having sensible judgement.
Common pairings
question someone's sanity
lose your sanity
a sense of sanity
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Word forms
- Plural
- sanities
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Doctors questioned the defendant's _____.
Etymology
From Latin sanitas, "health", the same root that gives "sane" and "sanitary".
Related words
Rhymes for sanity
See all rhymes for sanity →Frequently asked questions
What does “sanity” mean?
The word “sanity” means the state of having a healthy, rational mind. In plain terms, being mentally sound, or more loosely, having sensible judgement.
How do you pronounce “sanity”?
“Sanity” is pronounced SAN-uh-tee (/ˈsæ.nə.ti/ in IPA).
How do you use “sanity” in a sentence?
Here is “sanity” used in a sentence: “Doctors questioned the defendant's sanity.”
What is another word for “sanity”?
Words with a similar meaning to “sanity” include buttons, lucidity, lucidness, marbles, mind and saneness.
What is the opposite of “sanity”?
The opposite of “sanity” — its antonyms — are unsanity and insanity.
What part of speech is “sanity”?
“Sanity” is a noun.
Where does the word “sanity” come from?
The word “sanity” comes from Latin. From Latin sanitas, "health", the same root that gives "sane" and "sanitary".
Is “sanity” a common word?
“Sanity” is an uncommon word in modern English.
