What does "sane" mean?

1. (mentally healthy) having a healthy mind and being able to think in a normal, balanced way. 2. (sensible or reasonable) showing good judgment; being sensible and practical.

How do you use "sane"?

Often used in the phrase 'keep someone sane' to describe maintaining mental balance during stress.

sane

adj.

US //ˈseɪn// UK //sˈeɪn// sane

1 mentally healthy (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

having a healthy mind and being able to think in a normal, balanced way.

possessing a sound and rational mind; mentally healthy and capable of anticipating the consequences of one's actions.

Example

In the middle of all the chaos, she was the only one who stayed sane.

Example

The psychiatrist testified that the defendant was perfectly sane at the time the crime was committed, understanding the full gravity of his actions.

Usage

Often used in the phrase 'keep someone sane' to describe maintaining mental balance during stress.
- insane
- mad
2 sensible or reasonable (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

showing good judgment; being sensible and practical.

characterised by sound judgment, reason, or good sense; often used to describe policies, decisions, or environments.

Example

It seems like a sane decision to save some money for emergencies.

Example

The new management introduced a sane working hours policy, which significantly reduced staff burnout and improved overall productivity.
- irrational
- absurd

Origin

Learned borrowing from Latin sānus (“healthy; sane”). Doublet of sound.