adj
mental
MEHN-tuhl
adj
1
Relating to the mind, thinking, or intellectual activity, rather than the body.
"Chess requires a lot of mental effort."
"She was praised for her mental toughness under pressure."
2
Relating to a psychiatric illness or condition.
"He sought help for his mental health after a difficult year."
3
(informal) Wild, crazy, or extreme, sometimes in a fun way.
"The concert was absolutely mental — best night of the year."
How to Use Mental
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo do with the mind — thinking, mood, or (informally) wild/crazy.
When to use it
The informal "crazy/wild" sense is casual British slang; calling a person "mental" to describe mental illness is dated and can be considered offensive.
Common pairings
mental health
mental note
mental block
mental strength
Word Forms
more mental comparative, mentals plural, mentals plural, most mental superlative
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “mental”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
Chess requires a lot of _____ effort.
Etymology
From Late Latin mentālis, from Latin mēns ("mind").
Rhymes for mental
dental
rental
parental
Oriental
elemental
accidental
ornamental
judgmental
incidental
monumental
regimental
fundamental
See all rhymes for mental →