Etymology Map
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Mental

2 stages from Late Latin to English.

Today it means relating to the mind

Where does the word "mental" come from? It comes from Late Latin mentalis, adopted directly into English (1400s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
mentalis
Late Latin · ancient
"of the mind"
from 'mens', mind
2
Stage 2 of 2
mental
English · 1400s
"of the mind"
'go mental' is 1920s British slang
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Read the full story

Mental’s story begins in Late Latin: mentalis meant “of the mind.” From 'mens', mind. It reached English by 1400s as mental. 'go mental' is 1920s British slang. Today, mental means relating to the mind.