Mentally: meaning, definitions and examples

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mentally

[ˈmɛntəli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

health

In a way that relates to the mind or mental processes.

Synonyms

cognitively, psychologically.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
mentally	Suitable for general discussions about the mind, mental health, or intellectual capacities. She is mentally prepared for the challenges ahead. Mentally, he is very sharp and quick-witted.
cognitively	Often used in more technical or scientific contexts, especially relating to how we think, learn, and understand. Children develop cognitively at different rates. Cognitively, she is able to solve complex mathematical problems.
psychologically	More focused on emotions and mental health, often involving therapy and the study of the mind. Psychologically, he has been deeply affected by the incident. The study examines the psychological effects of childhood trauma.

Word

Description / Examples

mentally

Suitable for general discussions about the mind, mental health, or intellectual capacities.

She is mentally prepared for the challenges ahead.
Mentally, he is very sharp and quick-witted.

cognitively

Often used in more technical or scientific contexts, especially relating to how we think, learn, and understand.

Children develop cognitively at different rates.
Cognitively, she is able to solve complex mathematical problems.

psychologically

More focused on emotions and mental health, often involving therapy and the study of the mind.

Psychologically, he has been deeply affected by the incident.
The study examines the psychological effects of childhood trauma.

Examples of usage

She was not prepared for the challenges mentally.
He struggled mentally with the decision to quit his job.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

performance

In a way that relates to the intellect or mental capacity.

Synonyms

intellectually.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
mentally	Used when referring to the mind or mental processes. Often related to mental health, mental state, or cognitive functions. He is mentally exhausted after the long project She is mentally preparing for the exam
intellectually	Used when referring to intellectual abilities, thinking, or mental engagement. Often associated with learning, reasoning, or analytical skills. She is intellectually curious about quantum physics The book challenges readers both emotionally and intellectually

Word

Description / Examples

mentally

Used when referring to the mind or mental processes. Often related to mental health, mental state, or cognitive functions.

He is mentally exhausted after the long project
She is mentally preparing for the exam

intellectually

Used when referring to intellectual abilities, thinking, or mental engagement. Often associated with learning, reasoning, or analytical skills.

She is intellectually curious about quantum physics
The book challenges readers both emotionally and intellectually

Examples of usage

She was mentally sharp during the exam.
He trained mentally for the chess competition.

^{Context #3 | Adverb}

emotional state

In a way that relates to emotional or psychological well-being.

Synonyms

emotionally, psychologically.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
mentally	This word is best used when referring to the mind and cognition, such as in intellectual or cognitive tasks. He is mentally exhausted after studying for his exams. The game was mentally challenging but rewarding.
emotionally	Use this word when dealing with feelings or emotions. It often refers to states of mind that deal with joy, sadness, love, or anger. She felt emotionally drained after the long argument. The movie had an emotionally powerful ending.
psychologically	This term is used when describing matters that involve the mental and emotional state, often with a focus on mental health or behavioral aspects. Helplines provide support for those who are psychologically distressed. The experiment was designed to understand how people respond psychologically to stress.

Word

Description / Examples

mentally

This word is best used when referring to the mind and cognition, such as in intellectual or cognitive tasks.

He is mentally exhausted after studying for his exams.
The game was mentally challenging but rewarding.

emotionally

Use this word when dealing with feelings or emotions. It often refers to states of mind that deal with joy, sadness, love, or anger.

She felt emotionally drained after the long argument.
The movie had an emotionally powerful ending.

psychologically

This term is used when describing matters that involve the mental and emotional state, often with a focus on mental health or behavioral aspects.

Helplines provide support for those who are psychologically distressed.
The experiment was designed to understand how people respond psychologically to stress.

Examples of usage

She was not mentally prepared for the news.
He was mentally exhausted after the long day.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word 'mentalis', which means 'of the mind'.
The word has been used in English since the 16th century, evolving alongside our understanding of mental processes.

Psychology

Mental health is crucial for overall well-being, influencing emotions, thoughts, and behavior.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a common method used to change negative thoughts and improve mental health.
Mindfulness practices help to enhance mental resilience, allowing individuals to manage stress more effectively.

Cultural Perspectives

Different cultures have varied beliefs about mental health; some see it as a spiritual matter, while others view it in a medical context.
In many traditions, storytelling and expressive arts are used to promote mental well-being and community healing.

Pop Culture

Movies like 'A Beautiful Mind' and 'Silver Linings Playbook' have brought mental health issues into public discussion.
Many celebrities are advocating for mental health awareness, helping to reduce stigma surrounding mental illnesses.

Literature

Literary works often explore mental states, portraying characters' internal struggles and triumphs, such as in Virginia Woolf’s 'Mrs. Dalloway'.
The 'stream of consciousness' technique used by writers like James Joyce reflects the complexities of mental processes.

Translations

Translations of the word "mentally" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mentalmente

🇮🇳 मानसिक रूप से

🇩🇪 geistig

🇮🇩 mental

🇺🇦 ментально

🇵🇱 psychicznie

🇯🇵 精神的に (せいしんてきに)

🇫🇷 mentalement

🇪🇸 mentalmente

🇹🇷 zihinsel olarak

🇰🇷 정신적으로

🇸🇦 عقلياً

🇨🇿 duševně

🇸🇰 duševne

🇨🇳 心理上

🇸🇮 duševno

🇮🇸 andlega

🇰🇿 психологиялық

🇬🇪 მენტალურად

🇦🇿 ruhi

🇲🇽 mentalmente

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,642 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
5639 challenging
5640 rested
5641 unemployed
5642 mentally
5643 imposing
5644 drunk
5645 persuaded
...