attitude
Definitions
A settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something
态度，看法
Confident, often aggressive or self-assured behavior (informal)
（口语）个性十足的派头，傲气
A position of the body or a pose
姿势，姿态
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedA surprising member of the apt family. Latin aptitūdō ("fitness") passed through Italian attitudine, where it meant the body's fit "disposition" — a posture. English first borrowed it for a figure's pose in painting, then extended physical posture to mental posture: the stance your mind takes toward something. The double-t spelling comes from the Italian stage of the journey.
Root apt still carries 19 more wordsWhy It Means This
Attitude is secretly the same word as aptitude — both descend from Latin aptitūdō, "fitness." The path ran through Italian, where attitudine meant the fit "disposition" of the body, i.e. a pose. From the physical posture of a figure in a painting, the meaning lifted into the mental realm: the posture your mind holds toward something. The informal sense — "she's got attitude" — is a modern offshoot meaning a bold, defiant stance.
Usage Guide
- attitude toward / to (a topic): her attitude toward money. Use toward/to, not "about."
- attitude problem: a fixed phrase for an uncooperative manner.
- have attitude / give someone attitude (informal): show defiant, cocky behavior — common in casual speech.
Example Sentences
- 1.
Her positive attitude makes a real difference to the whole team.
- 2.
The new kid walked in with a lot of attitude.
- 3.
If you change your attitude toward failure, you learn faster.