mentalist: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal (philosophical sense); Informal/Neutral (entertainment and figurative senses)
Quick answer
What does “mentalist” mean?
A person who claims to possess psychic or paranormal abilities, often performing demonstrations of mind reading, clairvoyance, or telekinesis for entertainment, typically as a stage performer or television personality.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who claims to possess psychic or paranormal abilities, often performing demonstrations of mind reading, clairvoyance, or telekinesis for entertainment, typically as a stage performer or television personality.
1. In philosophy or psychology, a person who believes that mental phenomena are the fundamental constituents of reality or are the primary objects of study. 2. Informally, someone who is exceptionally skilled at analyzing or understanding people's thoughts, motivations, or patterns of behavior, often used in contexts like detective work or negotiation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties share the primary meaning of a stage psychic. The term gained wider popularity in the UK earlier due to popular TV shows like 'The Mentalist'.
Connotations
In both varieties, the stage performer sense often carries a connotation of skepticism (i.e., they use tricks, not real powers). The figurative sense is positive, implying sharp analytical skill.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK English, largely due to media influence, but well-understood in both.
Grammar
How to Use “mentalist” in a Sentence
[mentalist] + [verb: performs, reads, claims][adjective: brilliant, fake, skilled] + [mentalist][be/act like] + a [mentalist]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mentalist” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- 'He mentalisted his way into knowing the PIN.' (very informal, non-standard)
American English
- 'She mentalisted the jury with her insights.' (very informal, non-standard)
adjective
British English
- 'That was a completely mentalist thing to do!' (slang for crazy)
American English
- 'His mentalist abilities were key to solving the case.' (attributive use of noun)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Figuratively: 'Our negotiator was a mentalist, anticipating every counter-argument.'
Academic
Rare, historical. Refers to proponents of philosophical mentalism (e.g., in linguistics or psychology).
Everyday
Most common: referring to TV performers or figuratively to someone perceptive. UK informal slang for 'crazy person'.
Technical
In philosophy of mind: one who holds that the mind is fundamental. In performance magic: a specific genre of illusion.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mentalist”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mentalist”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mentalist”
- Using 'mentalist' to mean a psychiatrist or psychologist (incorrect). Confusing it with 'mentally ill person' (except in UK slang). Assuming it always implies genuine psychic power (it usually implies skillful trickery).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A 'psychic' claims to have genuine supernatural abilities. A 'mentalist' is typically a performer who may or may not make that claim, but whose act is understood to be a demonstration of psychological techniques, observation, and illusion.
In British informal slang, yes. Calling someone 'a mentalist' can mean they are acting crazy or foolish. In other contexts, especially the figurative one, it is a compliment on their perceptiveness.
No. The protagonist is a former 'psychic' entertainer who uses his acute skills of observation and psychological manipulation to solve crimes as a consultant for the police.
It is the doctrine that the mind and its contents are the primary or only reality, or (in linguistics) the theory that linguistic knowledge is innate and mentally represented.
A person who claims to possess psychic or paranormal abilities, often performing demonstrations of mind reading, clairvoyance, or telekinesis for entertainment, typically as a stage performer or television personality.
Mentalist is usually formal (philosophical sense); informal/neutral (entertainment and figurative senses) in register.
Mentalist: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmen.tə.lɪst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmen.t̬ə.lɪst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He's a bit of a mentalist. (UK informal, meaning: He's crazy or wildly eccentric.)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MENTALIST as having a keen MENTAL twist, using their mind to astound or analyze.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MIND IS A THEATER (for the performer); UNDERSTANDING SOMEONE IS READING THEIR MIND (for the figurative use).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'mentalist' LEAST likely to be used?