Mentals

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

  1. A field of intellectual pursuits related to the mind or cognitive function; aspects of mental well-being and psychological states; conditions or experiences pertaining to mental health and cognition
  2. Relating to processes or activities that involve thought, reasoning, or emotion; elements of psychological health impacting behavior and decision-making; issues or phenomena linked to the brain and mind's functions
  3. Concerning the characteristics of the mind and its operations; various states affecting emotional and psychological stability; factors that influence mental capacity, such as stress or mood states

Etymology: The noun in question likely derives from the adjective "mental," which entered English in the mid-17th century. Originally borrowed from Medieval Latin "mental" or "mentalis," these terms stem from the Latin "mens," meaning "mind." Early uses of "mental" focused on matters related to the intellect or the mind's faculties, a sense that has remained largely stable. The plural form "mentals" would be a straightforward extension, referring collectively to mental faculties, states, or processes. However, this pluralization is somewhat rare and typically informal or context-dependent, often appearing in discussions about psychological conditions or cognitive phenomena. It might also be used colloquially to refer to mental tasks or challenges. Interestingly, the root "mens" in Latin connects to various English words related to thinking and reasoning, such as "mention," "mensa" (table, metaphorically a place of thought), and "dementia," illustrating the broad semantic field around the mind. The shift from concrete Latin terms to abstract English concepts highlights how ideas about the mind evolved alongside language. Overall, the plural form arises naturally from the base adjective, underscoring the linguistic tendency to adapt adjectives into nouns for specific contexts, especially in scientific, medical, or colloquial speech.

Synonyms: psychologicals, cognitives, intellectuals, mindsets, thoughts