attitude

USAGE SUMMARY

"attitude" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a feeling, opinion, or way of thinking towards a person, thing, or situation. For example, "Her positive attitude towards life helped her get through difficult times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We would look at German Burda [a pattern and fashion] magazine together and discuss what looked nice – and because my mum had that attitude and payed attention to fashion, I think something stayed with me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Overall, the speech reflected the Liberal Democrats typically positive attitude to the challenges that lie ahead.

The Guardian - Opinion

For me the lull before the storm was illustrated by the complacent attitude of the Federal Reserve's vice-chairman Stanley Fischer, in his question and answer session after the annual Per Jacobsson lecture – not least when he dismissed that great central banking veteran Paul Volcker's call for a more structured international financial system.

The Guardian

Some teachers thought that FGM was only practiced in Africa and others have told me that their families have now changed their attitude to it, so it's worked really well.

The Guardian

That says a lot about the state's attitude to the individual's innocence before he has been tried, but even more about the state's odd sense of entitlement to the essence of each person.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Education is expensive, even in Europe and America; but we need to change our attitude and consider education as a priority.

The Guardian

Arundhati Roy, the Booker prize-winning author, recently accused Mahatma Gandhi, India's revered independence leader, of discrimination and called for institutions bearing his name to be renamed because of his attitude to caste.

The Guardian

That attitude has never really changed at a club which punches well above its weight financially and still has no training facility of its own.

The Guardian - Sport

In addition, the response of the majority of the Irish public, whose attitude veers from a warm welcome to benign indifference, also underlines how isolated the republican dissidents are in modern Ireland.

The Guardian

The Ukip leader later hit out at those with a worrying "anti-rich attitude" after one audience member held up a picture of a mansion belonging to Ukip donor and former treasurer Stuart Wheeler, who is an Eton and Oxford-educated ex-Conservative millionaire.

The Guardian

There's something about their attitude, the two musicians fractionally closer than they might be.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's "attitude", be specific about the context and the behaviors that reflect it to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "attitude" when simply describing a temporary mood. "Attitude" implies a more consistent and deeply rooted way of thinking or feeling.

Linguistic Context

The word "attitude" primarily functions as a noun, denoting a state of mind or a feeling about something. Ludwig confirms this, providing numerous examples where "attitude" is used to describe disposition, perspective, or orientation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "attitude" is a versatile noun used to describe a mindset, feeling, or opinion towards something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and very common, primarily appearing in news, business, and scientific contexts. When writing, be precise in describing the specific behaviors reflecting an "attitude" and differentiate it from a temporary mood. Alternatives like "perspective" or "mindset" can offer nuanced expressions. Recognizing its neutral register, one can confidently use "attitude" across varied communicative purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mindset

Refers to a set of beliefs or a way of thinking that determines one's behavior and outlook.

perspective

Emphasizes the way one views or considers something, often influenced by personal experiences.

outlook

Highlights a general view or prospect, especially concerning the future or a particular matter.

disposition

Focuses on a person's inherent qualities of mind and character.

demeanor

Describes outward behavior or bearing.

approach

Implies a method or way of dealing with something.

viewpoint

Signifies a particular position or way of considering something.

stance

Suggests a clearly defined position or opinion on a matter.

frame of mind

Indicates a temporary mental state or mood that influences one's thoughts and behavior.

mental state

Refers to the condition of someone's mind, regarding awareness or responsiveness.

FAQs

How can I effectively describe someone's "attitude"?

Provide specific examples of their behavior or statements that reflect their underlying beliefs and feelings. This gives context and avoids vague generalizations.

What's the difference between "attitude" and "opinion"?

"Attitude" encompasses a broader disposition or mindset, while "opinion" is a specific belief or judgment about something. Attitudes influence opinions.

When is it appropriate to use "attitude" in formal writing?

It's appropriate when discussing consistent patterns of thought, feeling, or behavior towards a specific subject. In formal writing, ensure the context is clear and the usage is precise.

What are some alternatives to using the word "attitude"?

Consider using alternatives like "perspective", "mindset", or "disposition" depending on the nuance you want to convey.