attitude
noun (countable)
UK/ˈæt.ɪ.tjuːd/US/ˈæt.tə.tud/
In ballet, the posture of a dancer's body, especially one of the standard poses.
Example Sentences
The dancer held her attitude gracefully throughout the performance.
She perfected her attitude for the ballet recital.
His attitude was flawless in the classical dance routine.
The instructor corrected the students' attitudes to ensure proper form.
Attitude is a fundamental aspect of ballet technique.
She maintained a perfect attitude during the challenging choreography.
The young dancer practiced her attitude every day to improve her technique.
His strong attitude contributed to his success as a ballet performer.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A mindset or outlook guiding one’s reactions, behaviors, or judgments.“Attitude” conveys the way you feel, think, or behave toward something or someone—shaped by personal beliefs, experiences, and emotions. For instance, you might display a positive attitude, maintaining optimism despite challenges, or a skeptical attitude, constantly questioning new information. In social settings, people’s attitudes toward teamwork or feedback can influence group morale and productivity. Shifts in attitude can appear gradually (learning from new experiences) or suddenly (triggered by a pivotal event). If you “change your attitude,” you alter your perspective or approach, often leading to different outcomes in relationships, job performance, or personal well-being.Individuals may also refer to “attitude” when describing someone’s vibe or demeanor—like having a confident attitude, “cool” attitude, or defiant attitude. While it can be stable over time, one’s attitude may adapt to evolving circumstances and social environments. Teachers, managers, or mentors might discuss how fostering a healthy or constructive attitude helps people face adversity more effectively. In essence, “attitude” underscores the lens through which you interpret and engage with the world.
Alternatives
If you need variations, “mindset,” “perspective,” or “stance” can substitute in many contexts. “Mindset” highlights a pattern of thought, “perspective” underlines viewpoint, and “stance” implies a position taken. “Disposition” points to someone’s habitual emotional inclination. However, “attitude” typically zeroes in on an underlying approach—whether positive, negative, or neutral—and its influence on behavior. For casual usage, “vibe” or “air” can describe a general sense of someone’s manner, though these carry an informal tone.
Writing
In formal or academic work addressing attitude, specify whose viewpoint or which domain you’re exploring—e.g., consumer attitudes in marketing, employee attitudes in organizational psychology, or social attitudes that shape cultural norms. If you study attitude change, detail factors like persuasion, cognitive dissonance, peer influence, or emotional triggers. Data might measure attitudes via surveys or observations, comparing how beliefs shift after certain interventions or experiences.When writing character analyses in literature, you might examine a protagonist’s attitude toward obstacles or how transformations in attitude reflect deeper character development. Linking motivations, events, or social pressures clarifies why that attitude evolves. Clear context helps readers grasp the significance of how attitude influences actions, fosters conflict, or drives resolution.
Casual Conversation
You might say, “She has such a positive attitude,” praising an upbeat, can-do energy. Or you could mention, “He gave me attitude when I asked for help,” meaning someone responded rudely or dismissively. In day-to-day talk, referencing someone’s attitude usually hints at either a good or a negative vibe—like “He needs an attitude adjustment,” indicating repeated negative behavior. Friends may talk about “keeping a good attitude” when facing tough exams or work deadlines. If a teenager “has an attitude,” it might mean they’re being rebellious or sarcastic. Overall, casual usage underscores how stances or moods shape how we treat each other and handle problems.
Etymology
“Attitude” derives from the Latin “aptitudo,” meaning “fitness” or “suitability,” which evolved through Italian “attitudine,” at first referring to “posture” or “physical bearing.” In 17th-century French and English usage, it described a dancer’s or figure’s pose—particularly one that conveyed emotion or style. Over time, the term broadened from external posture to internal viewpoint or mental posture, culminating in the modern concept of “attitude” as one’s overarching mental stance. Whether physically or psychologically, “attitude” remains linked to the idea of how one stands—be it literally or figuratively—in relation to surrounding circumstances.