attitude
attitude
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "attitude" is /ˈætɪtjuːd/ or /ˈætɪtuːd/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
at /æt/
/æ/ - a short "a" sound, like in "cat"
/t/ - a voiceless alveolar stop, like the "t" in "top"
i /ɪ/
/ɪ/ - a short "i" sound, like in "sit"
tude /tjuːd/ or /tuːd/
/t/ - a voiceless alveolar stop, like the "t" in "top"
/j/ - a palatal approximant, like the "y" in "yes" (present in some pronunciations, particularly British English)
/uː/ - a long "oo" sound, like in "moon"
/d/ - a voiced alveolar stop, like the "d" in "dog"
Word Form Variations
Singular Noun: attitude
Plural Noun: attitudes
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A settled way of thinking or feeling about something or someone, often reflected in a person's behavior. This can be a disposition that is either positive, negative, or neutral.
Synonyms: disposition, outlook, perspective, mindset, stance, viewpoint, temperament
Antonyms: indifference, apathy, neutrality (in some contexts, depending on the desired change in attitude)
Definition 2: A particular physical posture or position, often adopted to convey a mood, intention, or as a deliberate pose (e.g., in art or dance).
Synonyms: posture, pose, stance, bearing, deportment
Antonyms: natural position, relaxed posture (depending on the context of the pose)
Definition 3 (Informal/Colloquial): A defiant or uncooperative manner; a challenging or insolent behavior, often implying a negative or stubborn disposition.
Synonyms: sass, impudence, defiance, insolence, cheekiness, stubbornness
Antonyms: obedience, compliance, respect, cooperativeness, deference
Examples of Use
Books:
"The chief lesson I have learned in a long life is that the only thing that really belongs to us is our attitude. Every circumstance can be a tool for our growth, or it can be a stumbling block. It is our choice." (Viktor Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning, 1946)
"It's not about what you say, it's about your attitude and how you carry yourself." (Stephen King, The Gunslinger, 1982)
Newspapers:
"The central bank’s dovish attitude towards inflation suggests that interest rate hikes are unlikely in the near future, bringing relief to borrowers." (Reuters, Financial Times)
"Local residents expressed a positive attitude towards the new public park, citing improved recreational opportunities." (The Daily Nation)
Online Publications:
"Developing a growth attitude is crucial for professional development, encouraging individuals to see challenges as opportunities for learning rather than insurmountable obstacles." (Forbes.com)
"The article explores how a shift in consumer attitude towards sustainability is driving innovation in the fashion industry." (Vogue.com)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "You've got a bad attitude, soldier!" (Line from Full Metal Jacket, 1987)
Music: "Cause I got a new attitude." (Patti LaBelle, "New Attitude," 1984)
Television: "Her attitude on the show has really rubbed viewers the wrong way; she comes across as very arrogant." (Commentary on a reality TV show, frequently seen on social media discussions, e.g., Twitter/X, ongoing)
Video Games: "Your character's attitude score affects how NPCs react to you in dialogue options." (Description in a game review, e.g., IGN)
General Public Discourse:
"He's got a real winning attitude, always optimistic even when things are tough." (Casual conversation)
"I appreciate your positive attitude towards helping out with the community project." (Speech at a local community meeting)
"That teenager has a lot of attitude lately; she's constantly arguing with her parents." (Parental discussion)
10 Quotes Using Attitude
"Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference." (Winston Churchill)
"My attitude is that if you push me towards something that you think is a weakness, then I will turn that perceived weakness into a strength." (Michael Jordan)
"Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it." (Lou Holtz)
"The most important thing is your attitude towards life. The rest is just details." (Unknown)
"A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events and outcomes. It is a catalyst and it sparks extraordinary results." (WJ Clementstone)
"Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely." (Roy T. Bennett)
"We cannot change our past. We cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude." (Charles R. Swindoll)
"It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task which, more than anything else, will affect its successful outcome." (William James)
"Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude." (Ralph Marston)
"The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude." (Oprah Winfrey)
Etymology
The word "attitude" has an interesting journey through languages!
It primarily comes from the Italian word "attitudine," which meant something like "disposition" or "posture." This Italian word, in turn, can be traced back to the Latin word "aptitudo," meaning "fitness" or "aptness" (which is also where our English word "aptitude" comes from).
When "attitude" first appeared in English in the mid-1600s (around 1660s, with documented use from 1668), it was actually a technical term used in art. It referred to the posture or position of a figure in a statue or painting. So, imagine an artist talking about the "attitude" of a dancer's arm or a soldier's stance in a portrait.
Over time, the meaning of "attitude" broadened. By the early 1700s, it started to be used more generally for the posture of the body that might suggest a certain mental state. For example, someone might have an "attitude" of surprise or weariness.
Eventually, by the early to mid-1800s, it evolved to its more common modern meaning: a settled way of thinking or feeling about something, or a particular disposition of the mind. This is the sense we most often use today when we talk about someone having a "positive attitude" or a "bad attitude."
Phrases + Idioms Containing Attitude
Attitude adjustment: A change, often forced, in one's mindset or behavior.
Attitude problem: A negative or defiant disposition.
Catch an attitude: To suddenly become hostile or defiant.
Having an attitude: Displaying a negative or defiant demeanor.
Strike an attitude: To pose in a particular way, often for effect or to convey a feeling (similar to its older art meaning).
Cop an attitude: (Informal) To adopt a confrontational or negative stance.
Give someone attitude: To behave in a rude or defiant way towards someone.
Chip on one's shoulder: (Using synonym 'disposition') To hold a grievance or resentment that makes one easily offended or quick to anger.
State of mind: (Using synonym 'mindset') One's current mental condition or way of thinking.
Get in the right headspace: (Using synonym 'mindset') To achieve the correct mental state for a task or situation.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of attitude from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
