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REFERENCE

attitude

n. C / U
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //ˈætəˌtud// UK //ˈætɪtjˌuːd// at·ti·tude Academic General-service Informal

n. the way you think and feel about someone or something. It often shows in how you behave or speak to others.

n. a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person's behaviour.


SIMPLE

He has a very positive attitude toward his work.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager noticed a change in the team's attitude after the new project goals were announced.

COMPLEX

While individual skills are vital for the role, the hiring committee prioritises a collaborative attitude, believing that technical gaps are easier to bridge than personality conflicts.

Synonyms
Origin

From French attitude, from Italian attitudine (“attitude, aptness”), from Medieval Latin aptitūdō (“aptitude”) and actitūdō (“acting, posture”), from Latin aptō and actitō. Doublet of aptitude.

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'towards' or 'to'. In informal contexts, it can refer specifically to a hostile or uncooperative manner.

Pitfall

He has a bad attitude about his teacherHe has a bad attitude towards his teacherWhile 'about' is sometimes heard, 'towards' or 'to' are the standard prepositions used with this noun.

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