mind

The part of you that thinks, remembers, imagines, and feels.

• A strange idea came into my mind.
• She could not get the song out of her mind.
• What was going through your mind at that moment?

Common phrases: in someone’s mind, clear your mind, cross someone’s mind

A person’s ability to think clearly, understand things, and solve problems.

• She has a sharp mind.
• Puzzles help keep his mind active.
• Even in old age, her mind remained clear.

Similar words: intellect, intelligence

Common phrases: sharp mind, brilliant mind, active mind

Your ability to be aware of things and to hold thoughts or beliefs about them.

• There was no doubt in my mind.
• The danger was always present in her mind.
• His mind registered the noise before he opened his eyes.

Similar words: awareness, consciousness

Common phrases: conscious mind, in someone’s mind, someone’s conscious mind

To feel annoyed or unhappy about something.

• I don’t mind the noise.
• She minded being left out of the discussion.
• Would you mind closing the door?

How to use it: mind doing something (I don’t mind waiting a few minutes.); mind if… (Do you mind if I open the window?); mind someone doing something (Would you mind me sitting here?)

Similar words: object to, be bothered by

Common phrases: mind doing something, mind if someone, mind the noise

To notice something and pay attention to it, especially to avoid trouble.

• Mind the wet floor.
• He minded the warning signs and slowed down.
• Mind your head when you go through that door.

Similar words: notice, watch, heed

Opposites: ignore

Common phrases: mind the gap, mind your head, mind the step

To look after someone or something, often for a short time.

• Could you mind my bag?
• She minded the children while I cooked dinner.
• Who will mind the shop during your lunch break?

Similar words: look after, watch, take care of

Common phrases: mind the children, mind the shop, mind someone’s bags

To follow what someone tells you, or make sure you do something correctly or safely.

• You must mind your parents.
• Mind you lock the door before leaving.
• He minded the instructions and kept his feet off the seats.

How to use it: mind (that)… (Mind you don’t spill the tea.); mind someone/something (Children were expected to mind their parents.)

Similar words: obey, heed

Opposites: disobey

Common phrases: mind your parents, mind your manners, mind you don’t