What does minded mean?
Minded is an adjective used mainly to describe a person's characteristic outlook, interests, or way of thinking. Expressions such as "broadly minded," "commercially minded," and "narrowly minded" indicate whether someone is thought to be open-minded, practically oriented, or restricted in outlook. In the separate construction "be minded to do something," minded means willing or inclined to take a particular course of action. The word is especially common in British English, although it is also understood in North American English. It can often be replaced by words such as "inclined," "disposed," or "attuned," depending on the context. Because it commonly follows an adverb, minded is frequently hyphenated when it modifies another word, as in "civic-minded." Its usefulness lies in its ability to attach a particular intellectual or practical orientation to a person or group.
adjectiveHaving a particular type of mind, interests, or character, as in "broadly minded". In the construction "be minded to do something," it means willing or inclined to do it.
- Having a particular type of mind, interests, or character.
- Willing or inclined to do something, especially in the expression "be minded to do".
"The committee included several commercially minded advisers."
"She is politically minded and keeps close watch on legislative changes."
"The board was minded to accept the revised offer."
Once simply the past participle of "mind," "minded" survives as an adjective that reveals a person's outlook: creatively minded, practically minded, or minded to change.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does minded come from?
Minded derives from the English word "mind," whose deeper roots are Germanic. The same root underlies forms such as "mindful" and "remind." While "minded" continues the older sense of the past participle of "mind," it developed into an adjective expressing character, inclination, or willingness.
Related word forms
How minded is actually used
The adjective is especially common in British English and is often used after an adverb, as in "commercially minded." The construction "be minded to do something" is formal and may suggest a deliberate intention rather than a casual inclination.
Easily confused with minded
"Minded" describes a person's general interests or character, whereas "mindful" means attentive or conscious of something.
"Mindedness" is a noun meaning a particular way of thinking, while "minded" is the adjective describing someone with that characteristic.