mentality
/mɛnˈtæləti/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: mentalities
Sense 1
Meaning · English
A mindset; a way of thinking; a set of beliefs.
Noun
Examples
Before he can succeed, he will have to shed the mentality that he can get by without hard work.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
The characteristics of a mind described as a system of distinctive structures and processes based in biology, language, or culture, etc.; a mental system.
Noun
Examples
1978, Edward Proffitt, "Romanticism, Bicamerality, and the Evolution of the Brain", The Wordsworth Circle, Vol. 9, No.1, reprinted in Kuijsten, 2016, page 129.
[…] the new mentality [of Romantic poetry]...is a mentality of self-authorization.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “mentality” mean?
A mindset; a way of thinking; a set of beliefs.
Is “mentality” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.