# mentality

/mɛnˈtæɫəti/ (US) · /mɛntˈælɪti/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mentality
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. mindset or attitude

noun · CEFR B2

the typical way that a person or group thinks, which influences their behavior.

For teachers: a characteristic mental attitude or way of thinking that determines how an individual or group interprets and responds to situations.

- To succeed in this difficult job, you need to have a very positive mentality.
- The coach worked hard to instill a winning mentality in the players, emphasizing resilience and collective responsibility over individual glory.

### 2. mental capacity

noun · CEFR C2 · Academic · Technical

the power of the mind or the way the human mind works as a system.

For teachers: the nature or operation of the mind as a complex system of biological and cultural processes.

- Scientists are still studying the complex mentality of dolphins and how they communicate.
- The research paper explores the evolution of human mentality, specifically how linguistic structures shaped early cognitive development.

Usage: Often used in academic contexts to discuss the mind as a functional system rather than just a personal attitude.

## Examples

- You need a positive mentality to succeed in this job.
- The coach worked hard to change the team's losing mentality into one of confidence and resilience.
- Sociologists argue that the prevailing mentality of the era was shaped by rapid industrialization and a newfound faith in scientific progress.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.