compos mentis

adjective

com·​pos men·​tis ˈkäm-pəs-ˈmen-təs How to pronounce compos mentis (audio)
: of sound mind, memory, and understanding

Examples of compos mentis in a Sentence

went to court to prove that her grandmother was no longer compos mentis and needed a legal guardian
Recent Examples on the Web Second, and more important, while Biden’s voice may be faltering, and some of his sentences rest incomplete, there is little question which candidate is less compos mentis than the other. Jack Rakove, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'compos mentis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin, literally, having mastery of one's mind

First Known Use

1616, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of compos mentis was in 1616

Dictionary Entries Near compos mentis

Cite this Entry

“Compos mentis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compos%20mentis. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

compos mentis

adjective
com·​pos men·​tis ˌkäm-pə-ˈsment-əs How to pronounce compos mentis (audio)
: of sound mind, memory, and understanding

Legal Definition

compos mentis

adjective
Etymology

Latin, literally, having possession of one's mind

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