sanity

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'sanity' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to mental stability, especially in the face of a challenging situation. For example: "I was surprised by how she managed to keep her sanity after such a difficult experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This used to be known as idling, but in a multi-tasking world, in which we seem to be living at a pace dictated by machines, going at human speed suddenly begins to look like sanity and freedom.

The Guardian - Travel

Many have questioned the wisdom, and even sanity, of forcing a byelection in this way.

The Guardian - Opinion

The most important question you should ask yourself is: "Do I really want to do this?" You need to be aware that you are going to sacrifice a great deal of your time (and your sanity at times) building a company, and nothing worth having comes easy.

The Guardian

"Sales are for vanity, profits are for sanity," says Andy Clarke, chief executive of Asda.

The Guardian - Business

Cecilia ultimately marries Mortimer and takes the Delvile surname, losing her inheritance and temporarily her sanity along with her own name.

The Guardian - Books

All this has been written – proving only that gay marriage is indeed a slippery slope for the sanity of its opponents.

The Guardian - Opinion

The older I grow, the more blithe idiocy seems the route to sanity.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At this point, let's just take a breather – a sanity check if you will – because a lot of people get worried when they think about the possibility of their child hallucinating.

The Guardian

In an optimistic turn towards judicial sanity, federal judge Ann Montgomery recently ruled the infamous "flying imams" could proceed with their case against law enforcement officials who wrongly arrested them and escorted them off their US Airways flight.

The Guardian - Opinion

He reads his students' stories – apprentice stories – more times than sanity would recommend, so that when the class starts, he knows them better than those who have authored them.

The Guardian - Books

Watching her being flawlessly lampooned – her hypocrisy and pomposity laid bare with a clarity that only comedy can achieve – felt like a gossamer lifeline of hope and sanity to which we could all cling.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sanity" to emphasize the preservation of mental and emotional stability, especially when under duress or in chaotic circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "sanity" too casually. Overusing the term can diminish its impact, particularly when describing minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations where genuine mental or emotional stability is at stake.

Linguistic Context

The noun "sanity" functions as a descriptor of a state of mental and emotional well-being. It indicates a condition where an individual is rational, reasonable, and not suffering from mental disorder. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies mental stability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sanity" is a widely used noun referring to the state of mental soundness and rationality. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with a wide range of related phrases offering nuanced alternatives. To use it effectively, reserve "sanity" for situations involving genuine mental or emotional stability, and avoid overuse in casual contexts. The provided examples and analysis offer a comprehensive understanding of its proper usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mental stability

Focuses more specifically on the stability aspect of mental health, whereas "sanity" implies a broader state of sound mind.

soundness of mind

A more formal and clinical way to express the state of having a healthy and rational mental state.

mental wellness

Emphasizes the proactive maintenance of mental health, rather than just the absence of mental illness.

rationality

Highlights the quality of being rational and reasonable, a key component of "sanity".

reasonableness

Similar to rationality, but can also encompass being fair and sensible in one's actions and thoughts.

composure

Focuses on maintaining a calm and controlled demeanor, particularly in stressful situations.

equilibrium

Suggests a state of balance, which can refer to emotional or mental stability.

presence of mind

Implies the ability to think clearly and make sound decisions, especially in a crisis.

levelheadedness

Describes the quality of being calm and sensible, especially in difficult situations.

clear thinking

Highlights the ability to think logically and without confusion, a key aspect of maintaining "sanity".

FAQs

How to use "sanity" in a sentence?

You can use "sanity" to refer to the state of being mentally sound or reasonable, as in, "After months of isolation, she struggled to maintain her "sanity"".

What can I say instead of "sanity"?

You can use alternatives like "mental stability", "rationality", or "soundness of mind" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "sanity" or "insanity"?

"Sanity" refers to the state of being mentally sound, while "insanity" refers to the state of being mentally ill or extremely foolish. They are opposites.

What's the difference between "sanity" and "reason"?

"Sanity" refers to the overall state of mental soundness and stability. "Reason" is the capacity for logical, rational, and analytic thought. Reason contributes to "sanity", but "sanity" encompasses more than just reason.