Mind Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ง
mind
[maษชnd ]
Definitions
in psychology
The element of a person that enables them to be aware of the world and their experiences, to think, and to feel; the faculty of consciousness and thought.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mind |
Typically used to refer to one's thoughts, the ability to think, perceive, and remember. It's used in everyday conversation about thoughts and mental activities.
|
| intellect |
Describes the capacity for reasoning, understanding, and thinking abstractly. It is often used in formal contexts to denote intellectual abilities or intelligence.
|
| brain |
Refers to the physical organ in the head responsible for mental processes. It is used in scientific, medical contexts, or when talking about the biological aspect of thinking.
|
| psyche |
Refers to the human soul, mind, or spirit. It's used in contexts relating to emotions, mental health, and deeper psychological aspects.
|
Examples of usage
- It's all in the mind.
- She has a brilliant mind for mathematics.
to consider
To be distressed, disturbed, or anxious by something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mind |
Used when referring to someone's ability to think and reason, or their mental attention and thoughts.
|
| care |
Used to show that someone feels concern or interest in something or someone, usually in a positive way.
|
| bother |
Often used when something is annoying or causing trouble to someone. The connotation can be slightly negative.
|
Examples of usage
- I don't mind waiting.
- Do you mind if I open the window?
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Cognitive psychology studies how the mind processes information and influences behavior.
- The idea of 'mindfulness' focuses on being aware of the present moment, which can help with stress.
- Mental health is closely tied to how we think, feel, and respond, making a healthy mind crucial for well-being.
Philosophy
- Philosophers have long debated the nature of the mind, questioning if it's separate from the body (dualism).
- The 'mind-body problem' explores how mental states are connected to physical actions.
- Concepts like 'theory of mind' discuss our ability to understand others' thoughts and feelings.
Pop Culture
- In movies like 'Inside Out', the mind is personified, showcasing different emotions as characters.
- The phrase 'change your mind' appears frequently in songs and films, highlighting its power in decision-making.
- Books like 'Mindhunter' delve into understanding the thoughts of criminal minds, blending psychology with crime.
Science
- Neuroscience explores how the brain, a physical structure, creates the mind, highlighting connections between brain activity and thoughts.
- Studies show that engaging in certain activities, like meditation, can physically alter the brain and improve mental health.
- Mirror neurons in the brain are responsible for empathy, helping us to understand others' feelings and thoughts.
Origin of 'mind'
Main points about word origin
- The word traces back to Old English 'gemynd', meaning 'memory' or 'remembrance'.
- It shares roots with the Proto-Germanic word 'ga-mundiz', which emphasizes the idea of remembering.
- Over time, the meaning expanded to include all mental processes and consciousness.
The word 'mind' originated from the Old English 'gemynd', which meant memory, thought, purpose, desire, and intellect. Over time, its meaning expanded to include the consciousness and cognitive faculties of a person. The concept of the mind has been a central topic in philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience, exploring its nature, functions, and relationship to the brain.
See also: absentmindedness, mindful, mindfully, mindfulness, mindlessly, mindset, remind, unmindful.