attitude

noun

at·​ti·​tude ˈa-tə-ˌtüd How to pronounce attitude (audio)
-ˌtyüd
1
: the arrangement of the parts of a body or figure : posture
depicted her in a reclining attitude
2
: a position assumed for a specific purpose
a threatening attitude
3
: a ballet position similar to the arabesque in which the raised leg is bent at the knee
4
a
: a mental position with regard to a fact or state
a helpful attitude
b
: a feeling or emotion toward a fact or state
a negative attitude
an optimistic attitude
5
: the position of a craft (such as an aircraft or spacecraft) determined by the relationship between its axes and a reference datum (such as the horizon or a particular star)
6
: a bodily state of readiness to respond in a characteristic way to a stimulus (such as an object, concept, or situation)
7
a
: a negative or hostile state of mind
b
: a cool, cocky, defiant, or arrogant manner
He was showing some attitude in practice today, so the coach benched him.

Examples of attitude in a Sentence

He has a positive attitude about the changes. She's friendly and has a good attitude. You need to change your bad attitude. There's been a change in his attitude since his accident. I don't know what her problem is. She has a real attitude. I suggest you get rid of that attitude and shape up. He was showing some attitude during practice today, so the coach benched him.
Recent Examples on the Web In contrast, a positive attitude can influence brain chemistry, causing the brain to produce chemicals that reduce pain. Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 21 Mar. 2024 Ambitious and confident, Aries have a take-charge attitude. Katie Mannion, Peoplemag, 19 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for attitude 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'attitude.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French, from Italian attitudine, literally, aptitude, from Late Latin aptitudin-, aptitudo fitness — more at aptitude

First Known Use

1668, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of attitude was in 1668

Dictionary Entries Near attitude

Cite this Entry

“Attitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attitude. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

attitude

noun
at·​ti·​tude ˈat-ə-ˌt(y)üd How to pronounce attitude (audio)
1
: a position of the body or a figure : posture
2
: a particular feeling or way of thinking about something
3
: the position of something in relation to something else

Medical Definition

attitude

noun
at·​ti·​tude ˈat-ə-ˌt(y)üd How to pronounce attitude (audio)
1
: the arrangement of the parts of the body : posture
2
a
: a mental position with regard to a fact or state
b
: a feeling or emotion toward a fact or state
3
: an organismic state of readiness to respond in a characteristic way to a stimulus (as an object, concept, or situation)

More from Merriam-Webster on attitude

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