sane

USAGE SUMMARY

"sane" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it as an adjective to describe someone who is mentally stable. Example sentence: The psychiatrist said that the patient was sane and could be released from the hospital.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The only sane thing about this intersection is that there's a Co-operative funeral home on the corner.

The Guardian

Alex, I'll take "But can you actually get the votes for any slightly sane deal from all the Republican Tea Party loons in your caucus?" for $1,000.

The Guardian

Members of the English Defence League (EDL) and the National Front have voiced support for the 33-year-old, who was declared sane and convicted by an Oslo court nine days ago after killing 77 people in two attacks last year.

The Guardian

He is neither "sane" nor "insane" but a fellow human being who speaks to us with courage and honesty.

The Guardian

"You ask yourself a sane question: is the job of the NHS a national health service or an international health service?" When Farage accused Miliband, he shouted: "Stop lying!

The Guardian

And it's that magnificent compulsion that means we need to have a sane conversation about how to set limits for ourselves on another wonderful pleasure that has no natural limits.

The Guardian - Tech

Far from a pathology afflicting individuals, the desire to scream out in pain and isolation under the wobbly sky is a sane response to an insane world.

The Guardian

Until recently, it seemed that Victoria was the only dead-eyed succubus amassing strategic weapons, reality shows and dinner dates with infrequently sane movie stars in order to establish a West Coast power base.

The Guardian

Listen to your chosen track a couple of thousand times, repeat out loud as necessary, and if you're still sane afterwards there's a chance you'll be semi-proficient in your chosen voice.

The Guardian

"It is not a sane mentality," Rinus Michels once said of Barcelona.

The Guardian - Sport

Good news: there is a wealth of good literature which will remind you how sane and normal you are even if voices get raised.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sane" to describe someone who is thinking rationally and not mentally disturbed. Ensure the context makes it clear you're referring to mental state or reasonableness.

Common error

Avoid using "sane" when you mean "safe". "Sane" refers to mental health and rationality, while "safe" indicates security and lack of danger. For example, say "a safe investment" instead of "a sane investment."

Linguistic Context

The word "sane" functions primarily as an adjective. It is used to describe a person's mental state, indicating they are of sound mind, rational, and not suffering from mental illness. As shown by Ludwig, it can also describe actions or decisions deemed logical or reasonable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

13%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "sane" is a common adjective used to describe someone who is mentally stable, rational, and of sound mind. Ludwig AI confirms it is a correct and usable word in written English. Its primary function is to assess mental stability or the rationality of decisions. It frequently appears in news and media, with a neutral to formal register. While synonyms like "rational" and "reasonable" exist, it's important not to confuse "sane" with "safe". In summary, "sane" is a versatile word for indicating mental health and rationality, but context is crucial for accurate application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mentally stable

Focuses on the psychological condition of being balanced and healthy.

of sound mind

Emphasizes the legal and medical definition of mental competence.

rational

Highlights the ability to think logically and clearly.

reasonable

Indicates a capacity for logical thought and behavior.

sensible

Implies practicality and good judgment.

in one's right mind

An idiomatic expression suggesting someone is thinking clearly and not acting irrationally.

balanced

Suggests a state of emotional and mental equilibrium.

compos mentis

A Latin phrase that describes the state of having control of one's mind.

lucid

Highlights the clarity of thought and expression.

all there

An informal way to say someone is mentally present and aware.

FAQs

What does it mean to call someone "sane"?

Calling someone "sane" means they are of sound mind, thinking rationally, and not suffering from any mental disorder. It indicates mental stability and the ability to make reasonable judgments.

How can I use "sane" in a sentence?

You can use "sane" to describe a person's mental state, such as "The doctor declared the patient "sane" and fit for release" or to describe an action or decision as reasonable, such as "It was a "sane" approach to the problem".

What are some synonyms for "sane"?

Synonyms for "sane" include "rational", "reasonable", "sensible", "of sound mind", and "mentally stable". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the opposite of "sane"?

The opposite of "sane" is "insane", which describes someone who is mentally disturbed or not thinking rationally. Other antonyms include "crazy", "unbalanced", and "deranged".