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Sane Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sane

[seɪn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

mental health

Having or showing reason, sound judgment, or good sense.

Synonyms

rational, reasonable, sensible.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sane

Use 'sane' when referring to someone's mental health, indicating that they are not mentally ill or unstable. It focuses on general mental soundness.

  • After a good night's sleep, he felt much more sane.
  • Despite the chaos, she managed to stay sane.
rational

Use 'rational' when describing someone who makes decisions or takes actions based on logic, facts, and reason rather than emotions.

  • He gave a rational explanation for his actions.
  • In a crisis, it's important to remain rational.
reasonable

Use 'reasonable' when describing something or someone as being fair, moderate, or acceptable according to common sense or sound judgment.

  • It's reasonable to expect a reply within a few days.
  • She made a reasonable offer for the house.
sensible

Use 'sensible' when referring to making decisions that show good sense and practicality, often involving wisdom and prudence.

  • Wearing a coat in cold weather is a sensible choice.
  • She gave sensible advice to the new employee.

Examples of usage

  • He seemed perfectly sane.
  • She is completely sane and rational.
Context #2 | Noun

legal

A person who is mentally healthy and not affected by a mental disorder.

Synonyms

mentally sound, of sound mind.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sane

In everyday conversation, when describing someone who has a normal and healthy state of mind. The word 'sane' is commonly used in both informal and formal contexts.

  • He's completely sane despite all the rumors.
  • After the stressful event, she needed time to feel sane again.
mentally sound

Often used in more formal or professional settings, such as legal or medical contexts, to indicate that someone has good mental health and judgement.

  • The doctor confirmed that the patient is mentally sound.
  • He was declared mentally sound by the court.
of sound mind

Typically used in legal contexts, especially in documents like wills or contracts, to confirm that a person is mentally competent.

  • The will was signed while she was of sound mind.
  • He is of sound mind and fully aware of his actions.

Examples of usage

  • The court declared him sane to stand trial.
  • Only a sane individual can sign a legal document.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In psychological terms, being sane can relate to the ability to understand and accept reality without significant distortion.
  • Mental health evaluations often use the concept of sanity to determine if a person can be held legally accountable for their actions.
  • Therapeutically, striving for mental wellness often involves practices that help a person maintain sanity amidst life's stresses.

Law

  • In legal contexts, 'insanity' is used to describe a person unable to tell right from wrong, raising the importance of sanity in court cases.
  • The M'Naghten Rule is a legal standard used in some jurisdictions to determine insanity, emphasizing the distinction between sane and insane behavior.
  • Duress and insanity defenses hinge on interpretations of a person's state of sanity at the time of their actions.

Literature

  • Classic literature often contrasts the themes of sanity and madness, as seen in works like Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' and Poe's 'Tell-Tale Heart'.
  • Many authors explore the fragility of sanity, depicting characters who grapple with their mental state, providing insight into human emotion.
  • The phrase 'lost sanity' appears frequently in narratives to illustrate a character's descent into madness, emphasizing the struggle for mental clarity.

Culture

  • Around the world, cultures have different interpretations of sanity, often linked to societal norms and expectations.
  • In some cultures, practices like meditation or communal gatherings are considered essential for maintaining sanity and mental well-being.
  • Art therapy, an increasingly popular approach, is used across various cultures to promote sanity through artistic expression.

Origin of 'sane'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'sanus', meaning 'healthy', which shares roots with words like 'sanity'.
  • In the 14th century, it was used to describe people who were mentally healthy in contrast to those labeled as mad.
  • The transition of use in English began gaining traction during the Renaissance as mental health gained more attention.

The word 'sane' originated from the Latin word 'sanus', meaning healthy or sound. It has been used in English since the 16th century to describe a state of mental health and soundness of mind.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,494, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.