What does mentality mean?
Mentality means a person’s characteristic way of thinking, especially the attitudes and assumptions that shape their reactions. The word is commonly used with expressions such as “a positive mentality” and “a closed mentality,” describing whether someone is optimistic, flexible, receptive, or resistant to new ideas. It can also refer more broadly to a person’s mental outlook or intellectual character, as in a statement about a team’s shared mentality. In educational, professional, and psychological contexts, mentality often emphasizes the relationship between habitual thought patterns and behavior. The term is generally more formal and more focused on a sustained outlook than “attitude,” which can describe a response to one particular situation.
nounA particular attitude or characteristic way of thinking. It can also refer to a person’s mental constitution or general intellectual outlook.
- A characteristic attitude or way of thinking.
- A person’s mental constitution or general intellectual outlook.
"Her positive mentality helped her overcome the difficult competition."
"The course is designed to develop a more strategic mentality among team leaders."
"His naturally cautious mentality made him slow to trust unfamiliar methods."
The plural is standard but less frequently used than the singular.
"The two departments have very different working mentalities."
Mentality is not merely how someone thinks, but the habitual lens through which they interpret the world.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mentality come from?
The word derives from Latin mentalitas, meaning mind or character, which was formed from mentalis, “of or relating to the mind.” Mentalis itself comes from Latin mens, meaning mind, understanding, or intellect. English adopted the term in the early 19th century, and related English forms such as mental and mentalism follow the same Latin root.
How mentality is actually used
Mentality is usually formal or semi-formal. It is often used in discussions of psychology, education, business, and group behavior, and can sometimes suggest an outlook that is fixed or difficult to change.