First Known Use: 1668
Dictionary
attitude
noun at·ti·tude \ˈa-tə-ˌtüd, -ˌtyüd\
: the way you think and feel about someone or something
: a feeling or way of thinking that affects a person's behavior
: a way of thinking and behaving that people regard as unfriendly, rude, etc.
Full Definition of ATTITUDE
1
: the arrangement of the parts of a body or figure : posture
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
5
: the position of an aircraft or spacecraft determined by the relationship between its axes and a reference datum (as the horizon or a particular star)
6
: an organismic state of readiness to respond in a characteristic way to a stimulus (as an object, concept, or situation)
7
a : a negative or hostile state of mind b : a cool, cocky, defiant, or arrogant manner
See attitude defined for English-language learners
See attitude defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of ATTITUDE
French, from Italian attitudine, literally, aptitude, from Late Latin aptitudin-, aptitudo fitness — more at aptitude
ATTITUDES Defined for Kids
attitude
noun at·ti·tude \ˈa-tə-ˌtüd, -ˌtyüd\
Definition of ATTITUDE for Kids
1
: a feeling or way of thinking that affects a person's behavior <a positive attitude> <change your attitude>
2
: a way of positioning the body or its parts <an erect attitude> <He bowed in an attitude of respect.>
Medical Dictionary
attitude
noun at·ti·tude \ˈat-ə-ˌt(y)üd\
Medical Definition of ATTITUDE
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)
Learn More About ATTITUDE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: attitude gyroPrevious Word in the Dictionary: attirementAll Words Near: attitude
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up attitude? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).