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Sarcandra Posted 15 years ago
Vocabulary
Mentality vs. mind-set
Sometimes I'm not sure whether to use "mentality" or "mind-set."
Here are the definitions from Merriam-Webster Online ():
Mentality
mode or way of thought : outlook
Mind-set
1. a mental attitude or inclination
2. a fixed state of mind
My sample sentences:
This population segment has a mentality of expecting the government to provide for their needs.
The older members have this mind-set that the youth can't be expected run things in an orderly fashion.
I think the first sentence is correct, but "mentality" can replace "mind-set" in the second. Anyone? Thanks.
Here are the definitions from Merriam-Webster Online ():
Mentality
mode or way of thought : outlook
Mind-set
1. a mental attitude or inclination
2. a fixed state of mind
My sample sentences:
This population segment has a mentality of expecting the government to provide for their needs.
The older members have this mind-set that the youth can't be expected run things in an orderly fashion.
I think the first sentence is correct, but "mentality" can replace "mind-set" in the second. Anyone? Thanks.
Top answer
"Mind-set" may be in the dictionary, but it's nothing more than jargon. Why not write something simple? This segment of the population expects government to provide for their needs.
- "Mind-set" may be in the dictionary, but it's nothing more than jargon.
- Why not write something simple?
- This segment of the population expects government to provide for their needs.
- Older members are convinced that the youth can't run things in an orderly fashion.
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4 Answers
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"Mind-set" may be in the dictionary, but it's nothing more than jargon.
Why not write something simple?
This segment of the population expects government to provide for their needs.
Older members are convinced that the youth can't run things in an orderly fashion.
Why not write something simple?
This segment of the population expects government to provide for their needs.
Older members are convinced that the youth can't run things in an orderly fashion.
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Thanks. I could simplify the sentences, but what I really want is to understand the use of mentality and mind-set. I just made up the examples to try to show why those words confuse me.
So in both sentences, mentality is the better choice? How is mind-set used by native speakers? Thanks.
So in both sentences, mentality is the better choice? How is mind-set used by native speakers? Thanks.
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Sorry - I misunderstood.
Actually, they mean the same thing but 'mentality' is better English because it is less jargon in nature.
This is from the New Oxford:
Mentality - Noun
"I can't understand the mentality of these people": way of thinking, mind set, cast of mind, frame of mind, turn of mind, mind, psychology, mental attitude, outlook, disposition, m
Actually, they mean the same thing but 'mentality' is better English because it is less jargon in nature.
This is from the New Oxford:
Mentality - Noun
"I can't understand the mentality of these people": way of thinking, mind set, cast of mind, frame of mind, turn of mind, mind, psychology, mental attitude, outlook, disposition, m
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Rereading my first post, I think now it wasn't that clear. You've been a big help, thanks!
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