soundness of mind

USAGE SUMMARY

"soundness of mind" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to the state of having a healthy, rational and stable mind. It can be used in various contexts, such as discussing mental health, decision-making abilities, or general cognitive functioning. Example: The court found the defendant not guilty by reason of insanity, as he was deemed to lack soundness of mind at the time of the crime.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Examining it, you feel a mystified wonder, and perhaps a slight misgiving about the inventor's soundness of mind, remembering what happened to Wile E. Coyote.

The New Yorker

Medical science has long made clear that regular intakes of food and drink are a sine qua non for good health and soundness of mind.

The Guardian - Business

Illnesses such as Alzheimer's and dementia have serious ramifications for the legal system, but courts differ on how to assess soundness of mind.

Harvard University

Four of the dialogues in this group are concerned with definition of virtues or good qualities, especially virtues: Euthyphro (piety or reverence), Laches (courage), Charmides (temperance or soundness of mind), and Hippias Major (the fine or beautiful).

SEP

This paper discusses some of the ways in which nineteenth-century psychiatrists and neurologists became increasingly concerned with forensically arbitrating the normalcy of a patient's conduct, rather than attending to her soundness of mind alone.

Duke University

Those dealing with my health, skin, teeth, sight, heart, bones, guts—I owe them my soundness of mind.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

So if I told you that I'd spent an evening at the Wellcome Collection in London a few weeks ago discussing dementia and emerged feeling excited, you might wonder about the soundness of my mind.

The Guardian - Opinion

This year's challenges – Ebola, Islamic State – may ultimately show the president's soundness of judgment.

The Guardian

As he later wrote: "A conviction of the fundamental soundness of the idea took root in my mind". Such an insight, to be accepted, would require large amounts of supporting evidence.

University of California, Berkeley

He can weather a belief reversal — one based on science, granted — without doubt­ing the soundness of his faith or his mind.

The New Yorker

But there's no controversy around the soundness of the underlying idea".

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "mental stability" or "cognitive well-being" when aiming for a less formal or more positive connotation in general discussions about mental health.

Common error

Avoid using "soundness of mind" in casual conversations. It's a formal phrase better suited for legal, medical, or academic settings. Opt for simpler terms like "mental health" or "clear thinking" in everyday discussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "soundness of mind" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes the quality or state of having a healthy and rational mental condition, which Ludwig AI confirms as correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "soundness of mind" is a grammatically correct noun phrase denoting a state of mental stability and rationality. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While not overly common, it finds appropriate use in formal contexts, particularly in legal, medical, and academic discussions. The phrase is associated with a formal and scientific register. When choosing an alternative, consider synonyms like "mental stability" or "cognitive well-being" depending on the desired nuance. Remember to reserve "soundness of mind" for formal settings to maintain appropriate tone and register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mental stability

Focuses on the stability aspect of mental health, implying a resistance to psychological disturbance.

mental competence

Highlights the capacity to understand and make reasonable decisions.

healthy mental state

A broader term encompassing overall mental health and well-being.

mental acuity

Emphasizes sharpness and clarity of thought, rather than overall mental health.

cognitive well-being

Highlights the positive state of one's cognitive functions.

clarity of thought

Focuses on the lucidity and coherence of one's thinking processes.

rational thinking

Concentrates on the ability to think logically and reasonably.

intellectual capacity

Emphasizes the ability to understand complex ideas and learn effectively.

sanity

A more direct and commonly understood term for mental health, though it can sometimes carry negative connotations.

compos mentis

A Latin term indicating being of sound mind, often used in legal contexts.

FAQs

How is "soundness of mind" typically assessed?

Assessment often involves psychiatric evaluations, cognitive tests, and observations of behavior, especially in legal or medical contexts, to determine if a person can make rational decisions and understand consequences.

What are some synonyms for "soundness of mind" that I can use in legal contexts?

In legal settings, alternatives such as "mental competence", "being "compos mentis"", or "capacity to understand" are often used to describe a person's mental state.

Is "soundness of mind" the same as "intelligence"?

No, "soundness of mind" refers to mental stability, rationality, and the ability to make sound judgments, while intelligence refers to cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills. A person can be intelligent but lack "mental stability", and vice versa.

When should I avoid using the phrase "soundness of mind"?

Avoid using "soundness of mind" in informal conversations or when discussing everyday mental health issues. It is generally more appropriate for formal settings such as legal proceedings or medical evaluations. Consider using more accessible terms like "clear thinking" or "mental well-being" in those cases.