mind: Meaning and Definition of

mind

Pronunciation: (mīnd), [key]
— n.
  1. (in a human or other conscious being) the element, part, substance, or process that reasons, thinks, feels, wills, perceives, judges, etc.: the processes of the human mind.
  2. the totality of conscious and unconscious mental processes and activities.
  3. intellect or understanding, as distinguished from the faculties of feeling and willing; intelligence.
  4. a particular instance of the intellect or intelligence, as in a person.
  5. a person considered with reference to intellectual power: the greatest minds of the twentieth century.
  6. intellectual power or ability.
  7. reason, sanity, or sound mental condition: to lose one's mind.
  8. a way of thinking and feeling; disposition; temper: a liberal mind.
  9. a state of awareness or remembrance: The poem puts me in mind of experiences both new and forgotten.
  10. opinion, view, or sentiments: to change one's mind.
  11. inclination or desire: to be of a mind to listen.
  12. purpose, intention, or will: Let me know your mind in this matter before Tuesday.
  13. psychic or spiritual being, as opposed to matter.
  14. a conscious or intelligent agency or being: an awareness of a mind ordering the universe.
  15. remembrance or recollection; memory: Former days were called to mind.
  16. attention; thoughts: He can't keep his mind on his studies.
  17. notice; attention: When he's like that, just pay him no mind.
  18. a commemoration of a person's death, esp. by a Requiem Mass. Cf.
  19. (cap.) Also calledGod; the incorporeal source of life, substance, and intelligence. Cf.
  20. orto remember: Bear in mind that the newspaper account may be in error.
  21. Cool jazz really blows my mind.
    1. to change one's perceptions, awareness, etc., as through the use of drugs or narcotics.
    2. to overwhelm a person with intense excitement, pleasure, astonishment, or dismay:Cool jazz really blows my mind.
  22. to occur suddenly to one: A disturbing thought crossed her mind.
  23. to rebuke, reprimand, or scold sharply: I'll give him a piece of my mind for telling such a lie!
  24. to feel tempted or inclined to: I have a good mind to leave you here all alone.
  25. to be almost decided to; be inclined to.
  26. to be firm in one's intentions, opinions, or plans; have assurance: She may be only a child, but she knows her own mind.
  27. to decide; form an opinion or decision; resolve: He couldn't make up his mind which course to follow.
  28. complete agreement; accord: A meeting of minds between the union and the employer seemed impossible.
  29. constantly in one's thoughts; of concern to one: The approaching trial was on his mind.
  30. You must be out of your mind to say such a ridiculous thing.
    1. mad; insane:You must be out of your mind to say such a ridiculous thing.
    2. totally distracted:He's out of his mind with worry.
    3. emotionally overwhelmed:out of her mind with joy.
  31. ability to think and to remain in control of oneself during a crisis or under stress: She had enough presence of mind to remember the license plate of the speeding car.
—v.t.
  1. to pay attention to.
  2. to heed or obey (a person, advice, instructions, etc.).
  3. to apply oneself or attend to: to mind one's own business.
  4. to look after; take care of; tend: to mind the baby.
  5. to be careful, cautious, or wary about: Mind what you say.
  6. to feel concern at; care about.
  7. to feel disturbed or inconvenienced by; object to (usually used in negative or interrogative constructions): Would you mind handing me that book?
  8. to regard as concerning oneself or as mattering: Don't mind his bluntness.
    1. to perceive or notice.
    2. to remember.
    3. to remind.
—v.i.
  1. to pay attention.
  2. to obey.
  3. to take notice, observe, or understand (used chiefly in the imperative): Mind now, I want you home by twelve.
  4. to be careful or wary.
  5. to care, feel concern, or object (often used in negative or interrogative constructions): Mind if I go? Don't mind if I do.
  6. to regard a thing as concerning oneself or as mattering: You mustn't mind about their gossiping.
  7. don't worry or be troubled; it is of no concern: Never mind—the broken glass will be easy to replace.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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