theory of mind

American  

[thee-uh-ree uhv mahynd, theer-ee] / ˈθi ə ri əv ˈmaɪnd, ˈθɪər i /

Or Theory of Mind

noun

Psychology, Philosophy.

1. the ability to interpret one’s own and other people’s mental and emotional states, understanding that each person has unique motives, perspectives, etc. ToM, TOM

---

Etymology

Origin of theory of mind

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

They demonstrate sophisticated theory of mind, tracking what others know and don’t know.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 25, 2025

By contrast, she said, human theory of mind is linked with other common-sense reasoning mechanisms; it stands strong in the face of scrutiny.

From New York Times • Mar. 27, 2023

We found that sleep-deprived people were significantly less likely to want to help others, and that correlated one to one with the impairment in their theory of mind network.

From Scientific American • Oct. 14, 2022

"There is this general feeling that we can't possibly understand what we actually experience because we don't have theory of mind... It's also a way of not allowing us to advocate for ourselves."

From Salon • Oct. 9, 2022

The most intellectual of natures adopts an ethical theory of mind; the most moral of natures has an intellectual theory of morals.

From Amiel's Journal by Ward, Humphry, Mrs.