VocabDictionary

compos mentis

/ˌkɒmpɒs ˈmɛntɪs/advanced Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.adjective

In a state of sound mind; sane, rational, and capable of understanding one's actions and legal responsibilities.

Example Sentences:
  • The judge had to determine whether the defendant was compos mentis at the time the contract was signed.
  • Despite his advanced age, he remained fully compos mentis and managed his own financial affairs.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “compos mentis”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived directly from Latin, where 'compos' means 'having control of' or 'master of' (from 'com-' + 'potis') and 'mentis' is the genitive case of 'mens', meaning 'mind'. The phrase literally translates to 'master of one's mind'.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'compose'—a person who is compos mentis is able to 'compose' their thoughts and remain in control.

Frequently Asked Questions About “compos mentis

1. What is the meaning of “compos mentis” in English?

In English, compos mentis (adjective) is defined as: “In a state of sound mind; sane, rational, and capable of understanding one's actions and legal responsibilities.”.

2. How do you use “compos mentis” in a sentence?

The judge had to determine whether the defendant was compos mentis at the time the contract was signed.

3. What are English synonyms of “compos mentis”?

Common synonyms include:sane,lucid,rational,sound-minded

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “compos mentis”?

Derived directly from Latin, where 'compos' means 'having control of' or 'master of' (from 'com-' + 'potis') and 'mentis' is the genitive case of 'mens', meaning 'mind'. The phrase literally translates to 'master of one's mind'.