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.

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

theory of mind

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

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 25, 2025

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

From Salon ● Jun. 1, 2024

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’ve also found that sleep deprivation reduces activity in what’s known as the theory of mind network in the brain.

From Scientific American ● Oct. 14, 2022

But the better-informed have given up the Johnsonian theory of mind as a pair of legs able to walk east or west according to choice.

From Impressions of Theophrastus Such by Eliot, George

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