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Mentalist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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mentalist

[หˆmen.tษ™l.ษชst ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

TV show

A mentalist is a performer who demonstrates highly developed mental or intuitive abilities.

Synonyms

illusionist, mind reader, psychic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mentalist

A performer who uses psychological techniques and observation to create the illusion of having extraordinary mental powers.

  • The mentalist amazed the audience by guessing the number everyone was thinking of.
  • She hired a mentalist for her birthday party to entertain the guests.
mind reader

Someone who is thought to have the ability to read other people's thoughts; often used in a more literal or informal sense.

  • Stop acting like a mind reader and just tell me what you want.
  • He claims to be a mind reader, but I think he's just very perceptive.
psychic

A person who claims to have supernatural abilities to foresee the future or communicate with spirits.

  • She went to see a psychic to learn about her future.
  • The psychic said I would come into some money soon.
illusionist

A magician who performs tricks and illusions to entertain an audience.

  • The illusionist made the statue disappear right before our eyes.
  • My favorite part of the show was when the illusionist escaped from the locked box.

Examples of usage

  • The mentalist amazed the audience with his mind-reading abilities.
  • She watched a mentalist perform incredible feats of mentalism on stage.
Context #2 | Noun

Psychology

In psychology, a mentalist is someone who believes that everything can be explained by mental processes.

Synonyms

cognitivist, mental processes advocate, mind theorist.

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Word Description / Examples
mentalist

This term can sometimes be used in a derogatory way referring to someone perceived as being obsessed with mental aspects or theories, often without scientific backing.

  • His colleagues dismissively called him a mentalist because of his unconventional ideas.
cognitivist

Typically used in academic or scientific contexts, focusing on the study of human cognition and understanding mental functions like learning, memory, and perception.

  • The cognitivist explained the process of how children learn languages.
  • Recent research by cognitivists has shed light on how the brain processes information.
mind theorist

Used in academic or philosophical discussions to describe someone who develops or analyzes theories about the nature of the mind and mental functions.

  • The mind theorist published a new model explaining consciousness.
  • Mind theorists debate various hypotheses about the nature of thought.
mental processes advocate

Used in academic or professional environments to describe someone who supports or promotes the study or consideration of mental processes.

  • As a mental processes advocate, she pushes for more funding for psychological research.
  • The conference brought together mental processes advocates from around the world.

Examples of usage

  • The mentalist approach to psychology focuses on the mind's role in behavior.
  • The debate between behaviorists and mentalists continues in the field of psychology.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Performance Arts

  • Mentalists often use techniques from psychology, misdirection, and suggestion to create their illusions.
  • Some famous mentalists include Derren Brown and Uri Geller, known for their jaw-dropping acts that challenge the audience's belief in reality.

Psychology

  • Mentalism taps into principles of human behavior and perception, often exploiting cognitive biases people may not be aware of.
  • Studying body language and subtle cues allows mentalists to create the illusion of mind-reading.

Pop Culture

  • Television shows like 'The Mentalist' popularized the concept, blending crime solving with mentalism.
  • Reality TV competitions have featured mentalists, showcasing their skills in front of a live audience.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures have varying beliefs about mentalism and the supernatural, with some viewing it as entertainment and others as spiritual.
  • Historically, the practice of reading minds or foretelling the future has been linked to mysticism and shamanic traditions in various societies.

Origin of 'mentalist'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from 'mental', relating to the mind, and dates back to the early 20th century.
  • It was first widely used in performance contexts in the 1930s, as entertainers began focusing on mind-related illusions.

The term 'mentalist' originated in the late 19th century to describe performers who claimed to have psychic abilities. Over time, the word has also been used in psychology to refer to those who emphasize the role of mental processes in behavior. The popularity of mentalism as a form of entertainment has grown in recent years, with mentalists captivating audiences with their mind-reading and intuitive skills.

See also: mentalism, mentality, mentally.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,103, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.