Meaning & use
state of mind
Last updated
Meanings
nouncountable
The mood or mental condition that someone is in at a particular time, which affects how they think and act.
Grammar: Usually has a describing word before it: a calm state of mind.
Patterns
- in a good state of mind
- in the right state of mind
She was in a cheerful state of mind after the interview.
I'm not in the right state of mind to make a big decision.
A relaxed state of mind helps you perform better.
nouncountablelegal
The thoughts, knowledge or intention a person had when they did something, which can matter in law.
Grammar: Used in legal contexts to talk about intent: the defendant's state of mind.
Patterns
- the defendant's state of mind
The jury considered the defendant's state of mind at the time.
Lawyers argued about her state of mind when she signed the contract.
The court must decide what his state of mind was during the incident.
Word forms
| plural | states of mind |
|---|
Common combinations
- a positive state of mind
- Exercise puts me in a positive state of mind.
- in the right state of mind
- He wasn't in the right state of mind to drive.
- a fragile state of mind
- After the loss, she was in a fragile state of mind.
- an anxious state of mind
- The exam left him in an anxious state of mind.
- frame of mind
- A calmer frame of mind helped her choose well.
Synonyms and how they differ
- mood
- Mood is shorter and usually refers to a passing feeling, while state of mind can include a person's attitude and mental condition more widely.
- frame of mind
- Frame of mind is nearly identical but slightly more about attitude toward a specific situation.
- mindset
- Mindset suggests a more lasting set of attitudes, whereas state of mind describes how someone is at one moment.
- mental state
- Mental state is more clinical and is often used in medical or legal writing.
Word family
Practice
Which sentence uses state of mind correctly?
Choose one answer.
The fixed phrase is state of mind, with no article, and people are in a state of mind. The other options change the preposition or add an article.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “state of mind”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.