mentalism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowAcademic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “mentalism” mean?
The doctrine that the mind is a fundamental reality and physical events are manifestations of it.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The doctrine that the mind is a fundamental reality and physical events are manifestations of it; in psychology and performance, the apparent demonstration of supernatural mental powers like telepathy or mind reading.
In linguistics, the theoretical viewpoint that language is a rule-governed mental faculty. In magic and performance art, the art of simulating psychic abilities through psychological techniques, suggestion, and observation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional difference in meaning. The term is used in the same specialized contexts in both regions.
Connotations
Neutral in academic contexts (philosophy, linguistics, psychology). In entertainment contexts, it carries connotations of deception, skill, and showmanship.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, largely confined to academic, philosophical, and niche performance circles.
Grammar
How to Use “mentalism” in a Sentence
[Subject] + practices/performs + mentalism[The theory/doctrine] + of + mentalism[Debate] + between + mentalism and behaviorismVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mentalism” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- His mentalism act relies on subtle cues.
- The mentalism approach in linguistics is debated.
American English
- Her mentalism routine fooled the entire audience.
- Chomsky's mentalist framework revolutionized the field.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare. Potentially in niche marketing contexts related to 'neuromarketing' or persuasion.
Academic
Common in philosophy of mind, theoretical linguistics (e.g., Chomsky's views), and history of psychology.
Everyday
Very rare. Most likely encountered in the context of a TV show or stage performance featuring a 'mentalist'.
Technical
Key term in specialized fields like magic theory (performance mentalism) and cognitive science debates.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mentalism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mentalism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mentalism”
- Using 'mentalism' to mean 'a mental state' or 'mentality'.
- Confusing a 'mentalist' (performer) with a 'psychiatrist' or 'psychologist'.
- Spelling as 'mentallism' or 'mentelism'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In performance, no. Performers (mentalists) explicitly state or imply they use psychological techniques, observation, and suggestion to simulate psychic phenomena, not that they possess supernatural powers.
Behaviorism. Behaviorism rejects the focus on internal mental states and focuses solely on observable behavior and environmental stimuli.
No, it is a highly specialized term. In everyday conversation, people would more likely say 'mind reading trick' or 'psychic act' for the performance, and refer to a 'mind-over-matter' belief for the philosophical concept.
A mentalist.
The doctrine that the mind is a fundamental reality and physical events are manifestations of it.
Mentalism is usually academic, technical in register.
Mentalism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɛnt(ə)lɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛn(t)əˌlɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MENTAList performing magic with his MIND. MENTALism is about the MIND, either as a fundamental reality (philosophy) or as the tool for an illusion (performance).
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MIND IS A CONTAINER (for linguistic rules, in linguistic mentalism); KNOWING IS SEEING (simulated in performance mentalism).
Practice
Quiz
In the context of a stage show, 'mentalism' most likely refers to: