mind-set

British  

noun

1. the ideas and attitudes with which a person approaches a situation, esp when these are seen as being difficult to alter

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Explanation

Your usual way of thinking about the world is your mind-set. If you're dreading taking the SAT, remember that a positive mind-set will not only make you feel less stressed and more confident, but might even improve your test score. Your feelings, attitudes, and opinions about things make up your mind-set. You might have a pessimistic mind-set, always seeing the glass as half-empty and generally expecting the worst, or a hard-working mind-set, with a habitual focus on being a conscientious, dedicated worker. In the 1920s, the term was considered to be "educators' jargon," and defined as "habits of mind formed by previous experience."

Example Sentences

An equally big problem with quarterly reporting is the mind-set it reinforces.

From Barron's • Nov. 26, 2025

“We’re confident we can help Kenvue improve execution….Our lean operating mind-set will drive significant cost synergies, unlocking significant capacity to invest back into the business and create significant shareholder value.”

From Barron's • Nov. 5, 2025

Having played as a striker in her youth football days, the 24-year-old's impressive passing ability, sharp vision and attacking mind-set come as no surprise.

From BBC • Jul. 10, 2025

“It’s about changing the mind-set and lifestyle of overweight people, many of whom have never exercised before.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2025

Now that he recognized in his heart how he had changed, he had to shift his mind-set, his angry, mean-spirited ways.

From "Boots on the Ground: America's War in Vietnam" by Elizabeth Partridge

Related Words

• attitude
• demeanor
• frame of mind
• inclination
• mental state
• mood
• perspective
• philosophy
• point of view
• sentiment
• temperament