# mindfulness

/mˈaɪndfəlnəs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mindfulness
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. meditative practice

noun · CEFR B2 · Academic

a mental exercise where you focus on your breathing and the present moment to feel calm.

For teachers: a therapeutic technique or meditative practice focused on maintaining a non-judgmental state of heightened awareness of one's thoughts, emotions, or experiences on a moment-to-moment basis.

- She practices mindfulness every morning to help manage her stress at work.
- Clinical studies suggest that regular mindfulness training can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety by teaching patients to observe their thoughts without immediate reaction.

Usage: Often used with the verbs 'practice' or 'cultivate'.

### 2. general awareness

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the state of being careful and aware of what is happening around you.

For teachers: the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something; a cognitive inclination toward alertness and attention.

- The program encourages mindfulness of how our daily habits affect the environment.
- The diplomat's mindfulness of local customs ensured that the negotiations proceeded without any cultural misunderstandings.

Usage: Usually followed by the preposition 'of'.

## Examples

- Daily mindfulness helps me stay calm at work.
- Practicing mindfulness during a stressful commute can help you stay grounded and prevent road rage.
- Clinical studies suggest that consistent mindfulness can rewire the brain's response to stress, fostering a more resilient psychological state in patients with chronic anxiety.

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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.