mind
mind — verb
1. To feel bothered or upset about something, typically in questions or negative se
To feel bothered or upset about something, typically in questions or negative sentences.
Do you mind if I open the window? It is getting warm in here.
mind + if-clause in questions
Xiu did not mind waiting for the bus on a sunny afternoon.
negative with did not mind + -ing verb
Would you mind holding this bag while I pay for the coffee?
Asher asked if he minded him bringing his dog to the park.
mind + object + -ing verb — focus on object's action
I do not mind sharing a table when the café is busy.
- mind + if-clause
- mind + -ing verb
- don't mind
- be bothered by
more common in affirmative statements
- object to
stronger and more formal
- care about
broader, not limited to annoyance
- welcome
actively positive — opposite of being bothered
Grammar Patterns
mind + if-clause
mind + -ing verb
mind + object + -ing verb
Usage Note
Almost always appears in questions or negative clauses. In affirmative statements, using 'mind' sounds unnatural in most contexts — prefer 'bother' or 'upset' instead.
Common Mistakes
2. A conversational expression used to introduce an honest, often mildly critical o
A conversational expression used to introduce an honest, often mildly critical opinion, especially when you feel slightly annoyed by something someone did or said.
I do not mind telling you, I was quite disappointed with the result.
I don't mind telling you — introducing honest opinion
If you do not mind my saying so, that decision was not well thought out.
if you don't mind my saying so — polite preface to criticism
Élise said she did not mind admitting that she had made a mistake.
I do not mind your using my phone, but please ask first next time.
- don't mind telling
- don't mind admitting
- don't mind my saying
- frankly speaking
adverbial phrase with similar conversational function
- if I may say so
more formal, less annoyed tone
Grammar Patterns
I don't mind + telling/admitting/saying + clause
Usage Note
This is a fixed conversational formula, not a productive syntactic pattern. It usually follows the structure 'I don't mind + -ing verb (telling/admitting/saying) + [clause]' or 'if you don't mind my + -ing verb + ...'.
Common Mistakes
3. To watch carefully what you are doing or to a possible danger, so that nothing b
To watch carefully what you are doing or to a possible danger, so that nothing bad happens.
Mind the step when you get off the train at the station.
imperative: mind + noun — common warning sign
Rania told the children to mind their heads on the low doorway.
Mind you do not drop that glass — it is very expensive.
mind + that-clause as a warning
Marco tried to mind his language in front of the new manager.
The sign on the door said to mind the wet floor inside.
- mind + step/head/language
- mind + that-clause
- watch
more informal, common in warnings
- be careful of
more explicit about the risk
- pay attention to
less urgent, more about focus
- ignore
deliberately not paying attention
Grammar Patterns
mind + noun phrase
mind + that-clause
Usage Note
Common in imperative warnings ('Mind the gap', 'Mind your step'). Also used with a that-clause ('Mind (that) you don't...') to warn someone about an action. Frequently used with body parts (head, step, back, tongue) as the object.
Common Mistakes
4. A sudden shout or cry used to make someone move quickly because something danger
A sudden shout or cry used to make someone move quickly because something dangerous is coming towards them.
Mind out! A bicycle is coming right at you.
mind out! — warning exclamation
Diya shouted mind the car as her friend stepped off the pavement.
Mind the ladder! Someone left it lying across the path.
Hiro shouted mind out as the heavy box fell from the top shelf.
Femi yelled mind the ball as it flew towards the car windscreen.
urgent exclamation: mind out / mind + noun for imminent hazard
- mind out
- mind + noun (urgent warning)
Grammar Patterns
mind out!
mind + noun phrase (urgent)
Usage Note
Primarily British English. More urgent than sense 3 — the danger is immediate. Often used as a standalone exclamation ('Mind out!') rather than with an object.
Common Mistakes
5. A friendly expression said when parting from someone, telling them to be safe an
A friendly expression said when parting from someone, telling them to be safe and take care of themselves.
Mind how you go — it was lovely seeing you today.
mind how you go — British farewell expression
Beatrix said mind yourself and waved goodbye at the door.
Mind yourselves on the way home — the roads will be icy.
Emily told her guests to mind how they go as they left the party.
- mind how you go
- mind yourself
- mind yourselves
Grammar Patterns
mind how you go
mind yourself
Usage Note
Chiefly British and Irish English. 'Mind how you go' is a conventionalized farewell in British English. 'Mind yourself' (plural 'mind yourselves') is common in Irish English as a parting phrase meaning 'take care'.
6. To watch over a person, child, animal, or thing for a short time, making sure th
To watch over a person, child, animal, or thing for a short time, making sure they are safe or properly looked after.
Could you mind the baby while I run to the shop for milk?
mind + person — short-term childcare
Anong asked her neighbour to mind the cat during the holiday week.
Christopher will mind the store while the owner is at lunch.
mind + place/thing — keeping watch over
Who is going to mind the children when school finishes early?
Jabari minded his younger sister while their mother went to work.
- mind the baby
- mind the store
- mind the children
- look after
more natural for British English; similar time range
- watch
less formal, implies supervision
- take care of
broader, can include long-term care
- neglect
failing to care for someone or something
Grammar Patterns
mind + noun phrase (person/child/thing)
Usage Note
Typically used for short-term or temporary care — watching a baby for an hour, looking after a shop for a lunch break. For longer-term care, 'take care of' or 'look after' is preferred.
Common Mistakes
7. to follow the instructions, commands, or rules given by a person who has authori
to follow the instructions, commands, or rules given by a person who has authority over you — for example, a child who minds their parents, or a player who minds the coach.
Ayesha minds her grandmother and follows every rule she sets.
mind + noun phrase — obey a person in authority
Bao's mother expects him to mind what she says about finishing his homework.
mind + wh-clause — obey instructions
The puppy finally learned to mind its owner after a few weeks of training.
If the students do not mind the teacher's instructions, they may miss important information.
Piotr always minds the safety rules when he works in the chemistry lab.
mind + noun phrase (rules) — follow regulations
- mind your parents
- mind the teacher
- mind the rules
- mind what someone says
- mind the safety rules
Grammar Patterns
mind + noun phrase (person, rules, instructions)
mind + wh-clause
Usage Note
Frequently used with a personal object (parent, teacher, owner) or an abstract object referring to rules or instructions. The intransitive use ('Mind!') is rare in modern English outside of commands to dogs.
Common Mistakes
8. to keep a piece of information, a warning, or an instruction in your memory so t
to keep a piece of information, a warning, or an instruction in your memory so that you do not forget it — for example, minding what your doctor said about taking medicine on time.
Pim always minds that the last train departs at eleven-fifteen every night.
mind + that-clause — retain a factual schedule in memory
Andrés did not mind that the museum was closed on Mondays and arrived to find the doors locked.
Please mind that the library closes at six o'clock on Sunday evenings.
mind + that-clause — not forget a fact
Caio tried to mind the exact date of the conference but it kept slipping out of his head.
Ziad always minds that his dentist appointment is on the third Thursday of each month.
mind + that-clause — remember a recurring appointment date
- mind what someone said
- mind that + clause
- mind the warning
- mind the deadline
- mind the directions
- remember
much more common and neutral in register
- bear in mind
phrasal expression; slightly more formal, often used in advice or reminders
- keep in mind
common phrasal expression; similar meaning and register
- forget
fail to keep in memory
Grammar Patterns
mind + that-clause
mind + wh-clause
mind + noun phrase
Usage Note
Less common than the 'obey' sense. Often used with a that-clause or a wh-clause rather than a simple noun object. This sense is more common in British English and may sound dated in some American dialects.
Common Mistakes
mind — noun
1. the set of mental abilities that let a person think, feel emotions, imagine, and
the set of mental abilities that let a person think, feel emotions, imagine, and make sense of the world around them
Linh closed her eyes and let her mind drift back to the beach holiday.
let + possessive + mind + infinitive
The doctor explained that the pain was not physical but a problem in Ramón's mind.
Yael's mind was so full of exam worries that he could not focus on the book.
A curious mind is the best tool for learning new skills and languages.
When Noor heard the news, a thousand questions ran through her mind at once.
through + possessive + mind
- cross your mind
- run through your mind
- enter your mind
- state of mind
- peace of mind
- body
the physical self, as opposed to the mental self
Usage Note
Often combined with adjectives such as 'curious', 'logical', 'creative', or 'sharp' to describe a person's type of thinking.
Common Mistakes
2. a person who has a very high level of intelligence, knowledge, or skill in a par
a person who has a very high level of intelligence, knowledge, or skill in a particular area of work or study
The conference brought together some of the brightest scientific minds in the world.
collocation: bright / great / finest + mind
Professor Adina is considered one of the finest legal minds in the country.
The company hired a young tech mind to lead the new software team.
Dahlia's grandfather was a great historical mind who wrote several award-winning books.
- great mind
- brilliant mind
- finest mind
- leading mind
- scientific mind
- legal mind
- military mind
- genius
stronger; suggests exceptional natural ability rather than learned expertise
- intellectual
a person who engages in serious academic or cultural thinking
- thinker
broader; includes philosophers and original thinkers
Usage Note
Almost always used with an adjective that describes the person's field or ability ('great', 'brilliant', 'finest', 'leading'). Rarely used without a modifier.
Common Mistakes
3. a situation, problem, or fear that exists only in a person's thoughts and has no
a situation, problem, or fear that exists only in a person's thoughts and has no basis in physical reality
The patient's fear of a heart problem was all in her mind; the tests showed nothing wrong.
fixed phrase: all in + possessive + mind
Henrik thought he heard footsteps at night, but the noise was just in his mind.
The difference between the two teams was tiny — the idea of a certain victory was all in their minds.
Young children sometimes believe monsters are real, but those creatures exist only in their minds.
- all in your mind
- in her mind
- only in their minds
- just in his mind
- imagination
a more general term; 'in your mind' specifically suggests something that is not real
- fantasy
suggests a deliberate daydream rather than a mistaken belief
- reality
the actual state of things, as opposed to what is imagined
Usage Note
Typically used in the fixed phrase 'all in the / one's mind'. The determiner is often 'your' or 'her/his' when addressing a specific person's perception.
Common Mistakes
4. the act of keeping a certain fact or detail actively in your thoughts so that it
the act of keeping a certain fact or detail actively in your thoughts so that it guides your decisions or judgments
Bear in mind that the train may be very crowded during the holiday season.
imperative: bear/keep in mind + that-clause
When choosing a school, parents should keep in mind each child's individual strengths.
The judge asked the jury to bear in mind the evidence given by the first witness.
Lucía kept in mind her grandmother's advice when she made the difficult career decision.
keep in mind + noun phrase
It is worth bearing in mind that prices rise quickly during the summer months.
- bear in mind
- keep in mind
- bear/keep in mind that...
- worth bearing in mind
Usage Note
Almost always appears in the fixed expressions 'bear/keep (something) in mind'. 'Bear' is slightly more formal than 'keep'. Often followed by a that-clause or a noun phrase.
Common Mistakes
5. a thought, idea, name, or memory that suddenly appears in your conscious awarene
a thought, idea, name, or memory that suddenly appears in your conscious awareness without being deliberately searched for
When Iker thought of summer holidays, images of the beach immediately came to mind.
subject + come/spring to mind
The best solution did not come to mind until Christopher was already on the train home.
When asked about her favourite teachers, several names came to mind for Lisa.
As Harper looked at the old school photo, memories of childhood came flooding to mind.
come flooding to mind
No particular reason for the choice springs to mind right now.
- come to mind
- spring to mind
- immediately come to mind
- come flooding to mind
- first that comes to mind
- occur to
very similar; 'it occurred to me' means a thought came into my head
- pop into your head
informal; suggests a sudden, unexpected arrival of a thought
- spring to mind
interchangeable with 'come to mind' in most contexts
Usage Note
Also appears as 'spring to mind' with the same meaning. The subject is typically an idea, name, memory, or reason — not a person. Cannot be used in the continuous form ('is coming to mind').
Common Mistakes
6. the experience of thinking about the same thing over and over, especially an unp
the experience of thinking about the same thing over and over, especially an unpleasant past event that you cannot stop thinking about
The mistake kept preying on Stefan's mind for weeks after the accident.
idiom: prey/weigh on + possessive + mind
Ritu found it hard to sleep because the argument kept running through her mind.
The memory of the argument dwelled in Nadia's mind long after everyone had moved on.
Eshe told her friend to stop dwelling on the past and let the old quarrel leave her mind.
The thought of Lien's harsh words weighed on Roya's mind throughout the weekend.
weigh on + possessive + mind
- prey on your mind
- weigh on your mind
- dwell in your mind
- run through your mind
- occupy your mind
Usage Note
Common verbs used with this sense: 'prey on', 'weigh on', 'dwell in/on', 'run through', 'occupy'. The feeling is usually negative — worry, regret, or guilt. For positive rumination, 'run through' is the most neutral option.
Common Mistakes
7. the natural thinking ability that allows someone to understand ideas, work throu
the natural thinking ability that allows someone to understand ideas, work through problems, and gain new skills
Kenji has a sharp mind and finished the complex puzzle before anyone else.
collocation: sharp mind = quick thinking ability
A good education helps develop a young mind for future challenges.
collocation: develop a young mind
Her quick mind caught every mistake in the report within minutes.
collocation: quick mind
The professor's brilliant mind inspired generations of students in the physics department.
Layla showed a curious mind from an early age, always exploring how machines worked.
collocation: curious mind
- sharp mind
- quick mind
- brilliant mind
- curious mind
- open mind
- inquiring mind
- intellect
more formal and abstract; focuses on reasoning power rather than general ability
- brains
informal; refers to practical intelligence or cleverness
- intelligence
broader in scope; can refer to measured IQ or general mental capacity
Usage Note
Often paired with adjectives describing intellectual quality, such as sharp, brilliant, curious, quick, or logical.
8. the ability to store information in your thoughts and bring it back when you nee
the ability to store information in your thoughts and bring it back when you need it
His mind held every line of the poem even fifty years after school.
collocation: hold in one's mind
The name of that restaurant completely slipped my mind at dinner.
idiom: slip one's mind = be forgotten
Folake could call to mind every detail of the meeting from five years ago.
phrasal verb: call to mind = recall
Keep this date in your mind so you do not miss the doctor's appointment.
collocation: keep in mind
The old photograph brought happy summer memories back to his mind instantly.
- slip one's mind
- call to mind
- bring to mind
- keep in mind
- bear in mind
- stick in one's mind
- come to mind
- memory
more direct and common; 'mind' in this sense is slightly more literary or fixed in expressions
- recollection
formal; refers to the act of remembering a specific event rather than the general ability
Usage Note
Frequently appears in fixed expressions: slip one's mind (be forgotten), call/bring to mind (make someone remember), keep/bear in mind (not forget). The subject is often a fact, name, or event rather than a person.
Common Mistakes
9. a particular opinion, belief, or way of thinking that someone has about somethin
a particular opinion, belief, or way of thinking that someone has about something
In my mind, the best plan is to wait and see how the weather develops.
phrase: in my mind = in my opinion
Gabriel could not change his mind about moving abroad after the job offer arrived.
phrase: change one's mind
The two managers were of the same mind on the need to hire more staff.
phrase: be of the same mind
After hearing the evidence, she kept an open mind about the cause of the fire.
phrase: keep an open mind
To my mind, the proposal needs more research before the board can vote on it.
phrase: to my mind = in my opinion
- change one's mind
- be of the same mind
- keep an open mind
- in my mind
- to my mind
- have a closed mind
- know one's own mind
- opinion
more general and direct; 'mind' in this sense leans toward personal conviction or preference
- view
slightly more formal; often used for considered judgments
- perspective
formal; suggests a broader or more analytical way of seeing things
Usage Note
Most common in fixed phrases: in my mind, to my mind, change one's mind, be of the same mind, keep an open mind. Distinguish from sense 7 (INTELLIGENCE): here the focus is on a person's stance or viewpoint about a specific matter, not their general intellectual ability.
Common Mistakes
A thought that you are aware of but not actively thinking about.
At the back of my mind, I knew the exam would be difficult.
The idea of moving abroad was always at the back of her mind.
Something that exists only in a person's imagination and not in reality.
His fear of failure is all in his mind.
The pain she feels is all in her mind, the doctor said.
To remember or consider someone or something.
Keep in mind that the store closes at six.
When choosing a gift, bear her interests in mind.
To be extremely bored, frightened, angry, or affected by drugs.
During the long lecture, I was bored out of my mind.
She was frightened out of her mind during the storm.
To be remembered very clearly because of a strong impression.
The image of the sunset is etched on my memory.
Her words of kindness are etched on his heart.
To be remembered very clearly because of a strong impression.
The accident scene is etched on my mind forever.
That melody is etched on her memory.
To be unable to decide what you think or whether to do something.
I am in two minds about accepting the job offer.
She was in two minds about moving to a new city.
To think very hard about one particular thing.
He bent his mind to solving the math problem.
She bent her mind to the task of writing the report.
To think very hard about or put a lot of effort into one particular thing.
The team bent their efforts to finishing the project on time.
He bent his mind to learning the new software.
To have the same opinion about someone or something.
The committee members were of one mind on the issue.
My parents are of the same mind about my education.
To be unable to think or behave reasonably, often due to shock or worry.
You must be out of your mind to drive in this storm.
She went out of her mind with grief after the loss.
To be extremely worried, frightened, or upset.
He was out of his mind with worry when his son didn't come home.
She was out of her mind with fear during the earthquake.
blow your mind
idiomTo produce a very strong feeling of pleasure or shock.
The special effects in that movie will blow your mind.
Her performance on stage blew my mind.
Something is so unusual or difficult that it is hard to imagine or accept.
The complexity of the universe boggles the mind.
The amount of data they collected boggles the mind.
To remember someone or something.
That song brings to mind our summer vacation.
Can you call to mind where you left the keys?
To think about something that happened in the past.
Cast your mind back to your first day at school.
She cast her mind back to the events of last week.
To change a decision or opinion.
What made you change your mind about the trip?
Nothing will change my mind about quitting my job.
a change of mind
idiomAn act of changing what you think about a situation.
After a change of mind, she decided to study abroad.
His change of mind surprised everyone.
To refuse to think about something as a possibility.
Don't close your mind to new ideas.
He closed his mind to any criticism.
come/spring to mind
idiomTo suddenly remember or think of something.
When I think of heroes, my father comes to mind.
No solution springs to mind immediately.
cross your mind
idiomTo come into your mind as a thought.
It never crossed my mind that she would lie.
Did it cross your mind to call me?
To tell someone you are angry with them about their behavior.
After the rude comment, she gave him a piece of her mind.
I will give that driver a piece of my mind for cutting me off.
Used to say that two people have the same idea or opinion, implying they are both clever.
You chose the same gift? Great minds think alike!
We both thought of that solution. Great minds think alike.
To think you might do something, although you are not sure.
I have half a mind to tell him the truth.
She has a good mind to quit her job.
To be thinking of someone or something for a particular purpose.
Do you have anyone in mind for the team leader role?
I had a different color in mind for the walls.
To intend to do something.
She has it in mind to start her own business.
He had it in mind to travel around the world.
To have a very bad memory and forget things easily.
I have a memory like a sieve; I always forget names.
He has a mind like a sieve, so write down the appointment.
To have your own opinions and make decisions independently.
She has a mind of her own and won't be easily persuaded.
My cat seems to have a mind of its own.
To be willing to listen to or accept new ideas or suggestions.
Try to keep an open mind about the proposal.
She has an open mind on the subject of alternative medicine.
To be thinking clearly and able to make sensible decisions (often used negatively).
No one in their right mind would jump off a bridge.
He wasn't in his right mind when he made that decision.
know your own mind
idiomTo have clear and definite ideas about what you want.
At a young age, she knew her own mind about her career.
He knows his own mind and won't be swayed.
lose your mind
idiomTo become mentally ill or very confused.
After the accident, he feared he was losing his mind.
The constant noise made her feel like she was losing her mind.
To decide something.
I can't make up my mind which dress to buy.
Have you made your mind up about the vacation destination?
a meeting of minds
idiomA close understanding between people with similar ideas.
The conference led to a meeting of minds among the scientists.
There was a meeting of minds between the two artists.
your mind’s eye
idiomYour imagination.
In his mind's eye, he saw a beautiful beach.
She pictured the scene in her mind's eye.
To give no attention to someone or something.
He doesn't pay any mind to the critics.
She paid the rumors no mind.
of unsound mind
idiomNot responsible for your actions because of mental illness.
The court declared him of unsound mind.
She was found to be of unsound mind at the time of the crime.
on your mind
idiomIf something is on your mind, you are thinking and worrying about it a lot.
You've been on my mind all day.
He has a lot on his mind with the upcoming exam.
To become or make someone aware of new ideas or experiences.
Travel opens your mind to different cultures.
The lecture opened her mind to new possibilities.
Used to say that someone will be quickly forgotten when they are no longer present.
After he moved away, it was out of sight, out of mind.
She doesn't call often; out of sight, out of mind.
To make someone think and worry about something all the time.
The thought of the accident preyed on his mind.
Her mistake preyed on her mind for weeks.
To try to forget about something unpleasant.
She pushed the bad news to the back of her mind.
He pushed his fears to the back of his mind and continued.
To make someone think of someone or something; to remind someone of someone or something.
That song puts me in mind of my grandmother.
The painting puts me in mind of a sunny day.
To do or say something to make someone stop worrying.
The doctor's words put her mind at ease.
He set my mind at rest by explaining the plan.
To decide to achieve something and give it all your attention.
If you set your mind to it, you can learn anything.
She put her mind to finishing the project on time.
To stop thinking about someone or something; to deliberately forget.
I can't get her out of my mind.
He tried to put the failure out of his mind.
slip your mind
idiomIf something slips your mind, you forget it or forget to do it.
I'm sorry I didn't call; it slipped my mind.
The appointment completely slipped her mind.
speak your mind
idiomTo say exactly what you think in a direct way.
She always speaks her mind, even if it's unpopular.
In the meeting, he spoke his mind about the new policy.
To be remembered for a long time.
That tune sticks in my head every time I hear it.
Her name sticks in my mind because it's unusual.
To make you forget about something unpleasant for a short time.
Reading helps take my mind off my worries.
A walk in the park took her mind off the stress.
to my mind
idiomIn my opinion.
To my mind, this is the best movie of the year.
To my mind, she made the right decision.
a turn of mind
idiomA particular way of thinking about things.
He has a scientific turn of mind.
Her optimistic turn of mind helps her overcome challenges.
mind over matter
idiomThe ability to control physical pain or problems by using your thoughts.
Sara finished the race despite her injury through mind over matter.
Can mind over matter really help you ignore a headache?
Word family
- mindfuladjectiveB2
- mindfullyadverbC1
- mindfulnessnounB2
- mindlessadjectiveC1
- mindlesslyadverbC1
- mindlessnessnounC2
- mindsetnounB2
- remindverbA2
- remindernounB1
- unmindfuladjectiveC2
Synonym discussion
Sense: noun/1
mind 泛指思考、感受與理解的心理能力，是最廣泛的用語（a curious mind／好奇的心智）。brain 通常指生理上的大腦器官（the brain controls the body），但在比喻用法中可指「人才」（the best brains in the field）。intellect 強調理性思維與邏輯能力，較正式且抽象（a man of great intellect／極具智才的人）。reason 專指理性判斷與推理能力（the power of reason／理性能力），常用於哲學與論證語境。mentality 指一個人的心態或思維模式（a competitive mentality／競爭心態），帶有後天養成的含義。
Common collocations
Nouns
- state
- frame
- presence
- peace
- turn
- set
- cast
Adverbs
- never
- easily
- constantly
- actively
- quietly
Phrases
- state of mind
- frame of mind
- presence of mind
- peace of mind
- make up one's mind
- change one's mind
- cross one's mind
- slip one's mind
- spring to mind
- come to mind
- bear in mind
- keep in mind
- in one's right mind
- out of one's mind
- on one's mind
- have a mind of one's own
- give someone a piece of one's mind
- mind over matter
- of the same mind
- to my mind
Prepositions
- in
- on
- to
- of
- about
- upon
Etymology
源自古代英語「 gemynd 」，意為記憶、思考能力，與哥德語「 gamunds 」（記憶）和拉丁語「 mens 」（心智）同源。在英語發展過程中，mind 從專指「記憶能力」逐漸擴展為涵蓋思考、意見、智力等廣泛的心理功能。