# sanity

/ˈsænəti/ (US) · /sˈænɪti/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. mental health

noun · CEFR B2

the state of having a healthy mind and being able to think normally.

For teachers: the state of being mentally sound and healthy; often used in contexts regarding the preservation of one's mental stability under pressure.

- He took a long walk every evening to help maintain his sanity during the busy project.
- The isolation of the research station began to test the crew's sanity as the winter months dragged on without any outside contact.

Usage: Uncountable in this general sense.

### 2. reasonable behaviour

noun · CEFR B2

the quality of being sensible and making good decisions.

For teachers: the quality of being reasonable, rational, or sensible in one's actions and judgements.

- After an hour of arguing, sanity finally returned to the meeting and they made a decision.
- The judge's ruling was hailed as a return to sanity in a legal system that many felt had become increasingly unpredictable.

Usage: Often used in the phrase 'a return to sanity'.

## Examples

- I go for a walk every day to keep my sanity.
- After a week of constant shouting and arguments, the family finally sat down to talk and restored some sanity to the house.
- The judge's decision was hailed as a victory for sanity in a legal battle that had become increasingly irrational and driven by personal vendettas.

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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.