mental attraction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mental attraction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a connection or appeal based on intellectual or emotional compatibility rather than physical attraction. Example: "Their relationship was built on a strong mental attraction, as they enjoyed deep conversations and shared similar values."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Dear OL, I commend your desire to commit to a woman based on your level of emotional and mental attraction.

Huffington Post

I met him months before it happened, knew his online presence, masturbated to him countless times and, genuinely, fell in the crazy middle ground of physical and mental attraction.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In her songs and videos the repertory is much wider: rage and hunger; sheer athletic joy; easygoing, self-confident lust; physical insecurity (one of her English lyrics memorably makes use of the phrase "lose those pounds," and elsewhere she sings of her "humble breasts"); and an acute sense of the physical and mental pain of attraction.

The New York Times - Magazine

There are still mental standards of attraction as well as physical.

Vice

Depending on who you ask, Love is either a chemical imbalance, an insane rush of hormones, a series of interconnected feelings and stirrings that combine physical attraction w/ mental sympatico, the natural endgame to desire or the deep pull within all of us to form an unstoppable union with another.

Vice

"A tale of unmitigated suffering, even when that suffering be mental, possesses but few attractions for the reader; but when, as in this case, a large portion of it is physical," Dickens wrote, it "grows absolutely distasteful".

The Guardian

The truth is that a big part of steroids' attraction was always mental.

The New York Times

In any case he seems to have been able to restrict sexual attraction to the mental plane.

The Guardian - Books

Hume encourages this view of his project by employing Newtonian metaphors: he talks of an "attraction" in the "mental world" on a par with that in the "natural world" (1.1.4.6).

SEP

If you or a loved one suffers with some form of mental illness, seeing a successful theme park attraction based on one of your worst life experiences is probably going to make you feel pretty lousy.

Huffington Post

Fear has driven mental health discrimination for 400 years, and attractions such as this perpetuate our society's worn in beliefs about mental illness.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mental attraction" when you want to emphasize the intellectual or emotional connection between individuals, distinct from physical attraction. It's appropriate when discussing relationships, friendships, or even professional collaborations based on shared values or understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "mental attraction" as a direct substitute for "physical attraction". While both contribute to overall attraction, "mental attraction" specifically addresses intellectual or emotional compatibility, not physical appeal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mental attraction" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "mental" modifies the noun "attraction". It refers to the feeling of being drawn to someone based on their intellect, personality, or emotional connection, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mental attraction" is a valid phrase used to describe attraction based on intellectual or emotional compatibility. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While relatively rare, its usage is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts. It is essential to distinguish it from physical attraction, focusing instead on shared values, understanding, and intellectual stimulation. Alternatives include "intellectual affinity" and "emotional connection".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intellectual affinity

Focuses specifically on the intellectual aspect of the connection.

emotional connection

Emphasizes the emotional rather than intellectual aspect.

affinity of minds

Suggests a natural and effortless connection between intellects.

cognitive compatibility

Highlights the alignment of thought processes and mental frameworks.

intellectual chemistry

Implies a dynamic and engaging intellectual exchange.

psychological compatibility

Explores the alignment of mental and emotional processes for a balanced partnership.

spiritual resonance

Shifts the focus to a deeper, more profound connection beyond intellect or emotion.

emotional pull

Emphasizes the compelling nature of the emotional connection.

shared intellect

Highlights the commonality of intellectual level and interests.

mutual understanding

Focuses on the ability to comprehend each other's thoughts and feelings.

FAQs

How does "mental attraction" differ from physical attraction?

"Mental attraction" refers to the connection based on intellectual or emotional compatibility, while physical attraction is based on outward appearance and physical characteristics. Both can contribute to overall attraction, but they are distinct aspects.

What are some signs of "mental attraction" in a relationship?

Signs of "mental attraction" include enjoying deep conversations, sharing similar values and beliefs, having a strong sense of understanding and empathy, and feeling intellectually stimulated by the other person.

Can "mental attraction" exist without physical attraction?

Yes, "mental attraction" can exist independently of physical attraction. It's possible to feel a strong intellectual or emotional connection with someone even if there is no physical attraction. Such connections can form the basis of deep friendships or other meaningful relationships.

What can I say instead of "mental attraction"?

You can use alternatives like "intellectual affinity", "emotional connection", or "cognitive compatibility" depending on the context.