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mind over matter

Idioms

Willpower can overcome physical obstacles, as in Margaret was determined to go to the wedding even on crutches—mind over matter. This idea was already expressed by Virgil in the Aeneid (c. 19 b.c.) as Mens agitat molem, “Mind moves matter,” and it appeared in various forms in English by 1700.

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.

His long run would be yet another display of mind over matter.

From New York Times • Apr. 11, 2022

"I didn't sit and wait for chemo. I changed my diet and became positive. I truly believe in mind over matter."

From BBC • Jan. 8, 2020

With essential oils, it may be a case of mind over matter.

From Slate • Apr. 18, 2018

Another body of research finds that willpower really can be a matter of mind over matter: When people believe willpower is a limited resource, it becomes easy to give in to temptation.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 8, 2015

Mrs. Sutton's bodily frame had long ago proved inadequate to the ceaseless demands of a spirit indefatigably altruistic, and her continuance in activity was a notable illustration of the dominion of mind over matter.

From Anna of the Five Towns by Bennett, Arnold

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023