frame of mind

[freym uhv mahynd]

idiom

1. a person’s mental or emotional state, often as it relates to how the person feels about or responds to a particular thing.

   At the very least, it'll put you in a better frame of mind to tackle that long to-do list.

Word History and Origins

Origin of frame of mind¹

First recorded in 1710–20

Idioms and Phrases

Mental or emotional attitude or mood, as in You have to be in the right frame of mind to enjoy hiking in the rain. This idiom was first recorded in 1665.

Example Sentences

"It has to be a given, because if you don't show up with that frame of mind you're on the backward step straight away," he added.

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The wild creatures were bright of eye and bushy of tail, and many were in a romantic frame of mind.

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“First I shall review, say, ten or twelve more speeches of Cicero’s, to put me in the right frame of mind.”

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“Mio Cristo” is a delicate and airy ballad about forgiveness sung in Italian, which puts her in an operatic frame of mind.

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She said: "The frame of mind he put me in, if I didn't have my daughter, I would have ended my life."

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Related Words

• disposition 
• mindset 
• mood 
• state of mind 
• temperament