mentes: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Rare / ObsoleteHistorical / Literary / Archaic
Quick answer
What does “mentes” mean?
(obsolete) to lie, to utter falsehoods, to deceive.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
(obsolete) to lie, to utter falsehoods, to deceive.
In historical or literary contexts: to intentionally mislead or fabricate a statement; to engage in falsehood or deceit.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No contemporary difference. The word is equally archaic and unused in both varieties.
Connotations
Evokes a medieval or early modern literary style.
Frequency
Extremely rare and only encountered in historical or academic literary analysis.
Grammar
How to Use “mentes” in a Sentence
Subject + mentesSubject + mentes + (that) clauseSubject + mentes + about + objectVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mentes” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- In the old chronicle, the villain clearly mentes to the king.
- If a man mentes, his honour is forfeit.
American English
- As the bard recited, 'The knave mentes to gain advantage.'
- The historical document shows the witness repeatedly mentes under oath.
adverb
British English
- (not applicable)
American English
- (not applicable)
adjective
British English
- (not applicable)
American English
- (not applicable)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used only in historical linguistic or literary studies when quoting Middle English texts.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Not used in modern technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mentes”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mentes”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mentes”
- Using it as a modern verb.
- Confusing it with 'mentors' or 'mental'.
- Using it as a noun (it is a verb form).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an archaic verb form and is never used in modern spoken or written English outside of historical quotations.
It is a verb, specifically the third person singular present tense of the obsolete verb 'menten' (to lie).
Only if you are directly quoting or analysing a text that uses it, and you should explain its meaning. Using it in your own prose would be incorrect and confusing.
It is pronounced /ˈmɛntɪs/ (MEN-tiss), with the stress on the first syllable.
(obsolete) to lie, to utter falsehoods, to deceive.
Mentes is usually historical / literary / archaic in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(no common idioms, being archaic)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a medieval minstrel ('MEN') who TELLS ('TES') tall tales → he MENTES.
Conceptual Metaphor
TRUTH IS STRAIGHT / LIES ARE CROOKED (e.g., a crooked tongue mentes).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you most likely encounter the word 'mentes'?