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mind
/maɪnd/
ability to think and reason
She has a brilliant mind and solves problems quickly.
She is very intelligent and can think through challenges efficiently.
neutral
The faculty of consciousness and thought.
His mind was always full of new ideas.
He was constantly thinking creatively.
Often used to describe intelligence or mental capacity.
informal
To be bothered or concerned about something.
Do you mind if I open the window?
Are you bothered or upset if I open the window?
Commonly used in polite requests or to express annoyance.
formal
To take care of or look after.
She minds the children while her parents are at work.
She takes care of the children during her parents' absence.
Refers to supervision or responsibility for someone or something.
Collocations
change your mindalter your decisionmake up your minddecide firmlyhave in mindintend or planbear in mindremember or considerout of your mindcrazy or irrational
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Use 'mind' for polite requests
When making requests, 'Do you mind...?' is a polite way to ask for permission. Example: 'Do you mind turning down the music?'
Gold Rule
Distinguish 'mind' as noun vs. verb
As a noun, 'mind' refers to thinking ability (e.g., 'a sharp mind'). As a verb, it means to care or be concerned (e.g., 'I don't mind the noise').
Word Origin
Old English 'gemynd', related to Old High German 'gimunt' and Old Norse 'minni' (memory). Originally meant 'memory' or 'remembrance', evolving to include 'intellect' and 'thought'.
Usage Notes
The word 'mind' can function as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to the cognitive processes or consciousness. As a verb, it can mean to be concerned about or to take care of. The word is also used in many idiomatic expressions.
Word Breakdown
mind
the thinking faculty or consciousness
rootEnglish Dictionary