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

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Etymology

Origin of theory of mind

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

Like a CEO has less theory of mind for their employees.

From Salon

Theory of mind — explain what that means.

From Salon

There's super interesting work in the organizational behavior space about how having more power makes you have less theory of mind for people who are lower status.

From Salon

It's not entirely a trivial question, either and has interesting implications for canine intelligence, including the so-called theory of mind.

From Salon

Some people lose what psychologists call theory of mind—that is, the ability to comprehend that other people have minds and mental states just like they do.

From Scientific American