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Synonyms

mentally

American  
[men-tl-ee] / ˈmɛn tl i /

adverb

  1. in or with the mind or intellect; intellectually.

  2. with regard to the mind.


Etymology

Origin of mentally

First recorded in 1655–65; mental 1 + -ly


Explanation

Anything that happens mentally is happening in your mind. This adverb refers to brainy activity. If you’re mentally unstable, you need a shrink. Just as the adverb physically relates to the body, mentally relates to the mind. A mentally tough person is strong-willed. If someone is mentally unfit for a job, he doesn't have the brains to carry it out. A crossword puzzle can be a mentally challenging task. In the Star Wars movies, Jedi knights can mentally move objects just by willing it to happen. This word covers all the things that happen in your head.

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Vocabulary lists containing mentally

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

It began with small accounts on social media speculating or claiming that Talarico was out not because he was physically ill but because he was mentally ill.

From Slate ● Oct. 16, 2026

There is a tiny minority of people who would enjoy that experience, and they are mentally ill.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 13, 2026

In fact, it is quite likely he will renew it if he feels, mentally and physically, up for it.

From BBC ● Oct. 6, 2026

The balance of the new story will disorient anyone trying to mentally dovetail the old version into the new.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 1, 2026

Even if I hadn’t seen Bas in months, wouldn’t I still be thinking of him every day, mentally tracing his name on everything I saw?

From "Girl in the Blue Coat" by Monica Hesse

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