mindset

Or mind-set

[mahynd-set]

noun

1. a fixed attitude, disposition, or mood.

   His conservative mindset sometimes causes him to miss out on important opportunities.

   Her judgmental mindset has cost her a number of friendships.

2. an intention or inclination.

   I'm not sure what her mindset will be when you ask her about her plans.

Word History and Origins

Origin of mindset¹

First recorded in 1905–10; mind ( def. ) + set ( def. )

Example Sentences

Chesney’s core philosophies include fostering a growth mindset and instilling confidence through competitions in which the celebrations are judged as closely as what happens on the field.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Those pressures mean the mindset of the younger generation is changing, "especially when comparing my grandparents' political and economic views to my own", said communications officer Namfon Sirithirath, 30.

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“That’s our mindset and in our blood. There were a couple years we knew we were overmatched. We have a good team. We can compete with any team in the country.”

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I felt comforted knowing that I’m not alone and buoyed by their message that adjusting their mindset gave them strength when they were at the end of their rope.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

During 40 years of wars in southern Sudan, Darfur and elsewhere, this mindset has meant that Sudan's leaders spurn formulas for peace offered by mediators.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• attitude 
• demeanor 
• ethos 
• frame of mind 
• inclination 
• mental state www.thesaurus.com
• mentality 
• mood 
• perspective 
• philosophy 
• point of view 
• sentiment 
• temperament