attitudes - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
attitudes Word Meanings
- a settled way of thinking or feeling about something
- a position of the body indicating feelings
- a way of behaving that shows one's feelings or opinions
attitudes Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
attitudes Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈætɪtjuːd/
US
/ˈætɪtud/
attitudes Word Etymology
attitude = aptitudo (Latin: 'aptitude, suitability') + -ude (suffix denoting a state or condition); from Latin to French to English. Imagine a person standing confidently, arms crossed, portraying their view on a topic.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I tilt my chair back, then lean forward, letting my shoulders settle as I shift my mood. I tighten my grip on the idea, push through a small doubt, and set my stance as if ready for a talk. The attitude grows with each careful move, a quiet decision to keep calm or show interest. By the end, my face and posture tell a story of what I think and how I feel, even before I speak.
Real Context
Attitude in English covers both a mental stance and outward expression. It describes a relatively stable way of thinking or feeling about something, and it often guides how a person behaves. Attitude can also refer to a physical posture that signals feelings, such as a upright or slouched stance. Learners frequently mix attitude with mood or temperament, or think it only means a 'positive' mindset. Common phrases include have a positive attitude toward something, change your attitude, or give someone a bad attitude. The word appears in contexts like work, education, culture, and social interactions; choosing the right preposition (toward/to) matters for natural usage.
Usage Reminders
- Remember: attitude is about thinking and outward signals, not a temporary mood.
- Use toward/to appropriately with objects or people.
- Avoid overgeneralizing: attitude differs from mood and temperament.
- Common collocations: have a positive attitude, change your attitude, attitude toward/against.
- Beware of 'attitude problem' in informal criticism—tone matters.
Common Misconceptions
- Attitude equals mood; they are not the same thing.
- Attitude is only about being positive, not about beliefs or behavior.
- Attitude always refers to other people, not yourself.
- Attitude cannot be described as a physical posture.
- ‘Attitude problem’ is always a serious label in formal contexts.
Thinking Differences
For English speakers, attitude often blends belief, feeling, and behavior into a cohesive stance, with strong collocations and clear prepositions like toward. Learners frequently map it to mood or temperament and may misplace it near adjectives instead of verbs or nouns in phrases like 'have a positive attitude toward'.
Learning Tips
- Learn key collocations: attitude toward, attitude about, have a positive attitude, change your attitude, attitude problem, attitude adjustment
- Practice differentiating attitude from mood and temperament
- Note body-language cues that accompany different attitudes
- Use prepositions correctly (toward vs to) in context
- Read and listen for attitude in workplace, school, and media
- Create your own sentences to test nuances in tone
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'attitudes' mean?
A.A physical posture or position
B.A way of thinking or feeling about something
C.A type of clothing
D.A form of transportation
Step 2: Usage
Choose the sentence that uses 'attitudes' correctly.
A.Their attitudes towards climate change are very concerning.
B.His attitudes were very loud during the concert.
C.The box was filled with attitudes.
D.She wore beautiful attitudes to the party.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'attitudes'?
A.Feelings
B.Behaviors
C.Clothes
D.Food
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'attitudes'?
A.Passion
B.Focus
C.Indifference
D.Interest
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where someone might discuss their attitudes?
A.She decided to travel across the country tomorrow.
B.During a motivational speech, people share their attitudes.
C.He cooked dinner for the family last night.
D.The cat slept on the couch all day.
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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