mind

Everyday

1. Your mind is the part of you that thinks, feels, remembers and imagines. tree →
2. To mind means to feel annoyed or upset about something: I don't mind waiting. tree →
3. To mind means to be careful of something (UK): mind the gap, mind your head. tree →
4. To mind someone means to look after them: mind your little sister. tree →
5. «Change your mind» means to decide something different. tree →
6. When you say “mind you” before an instruction, you mean “make sure you” or “remember to.” tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life «Do you mind…?» is a polite way to ask; «I don't mind» means it's okay. In UK, Irish and Australian safety signs «Mind the step» or «Mind your head» means «be careful of it». In lessons about feelings and learning, the mind can be trained: you can keep an open mind, change your mind and look after your mental health. In maths «mental maths» is maths done in your mind, without writing. Phrases: make up your mind, change your mind, keep in mind, never mind, mind your own business, peace of mind.

Examples

• Do you mind if I open the window? tree →
• I don't mind which game we play. tree →
• Mind the step! tree →
• Can you mind your baby brother for a minute? tree →
• I've changed my mind; I want the blue one. tree →
• Keep in mind that the shop closes at five. tree →
• Never mind, we can try again tomorrow. tree →
• Do this sum in your mind, without a pencil. tree →

Note

«Do you mind…?» — answering «No» means «It's fine, go ahead», which can confuse people. «Mind + -ing» (I don't mind waiting). «Mind» as «be careful of» is mainly British, Irish, Australian and New Zealand English; Americans say «watch»: «Watch your step».

In Jewish tradition

It can mean what a person truly wants, or his own wish as opposed to God's command.

Interpretation. Moses says he acted not "of mine own mind" so that the people would know his work came from God.

Examples

• And his brethren envied him; but his father kept the saying in mind. (Torah GEN.37.11, JPS 1917) tree →
• And Moses said: 'Hereby ye shall know that the LORD hath sent me to do all these works, and that I have not done them of mine own mind. (Torah NUM.16.28, JPS 1917) tree →
• And he spoke with them, saying: 'If it be your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and entreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar, (Torah GEN.23.8, JPS 1917) tree →
• Or who hath given understanding to the mind? (Writings JOB.38.36, JPS 1917) tree →
• This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. (Writings LAM.3.21, JPS 1917) tree →
• Remember this, and stand fast; bring it to mind, O ye transgressors. (Prophets ISA.46.8, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

«Do you mind…?» — answering «No» means «It's fine, go ahead», which can confuse people. «Mind + -ing» (I don't mind waiting). «Mind» as «be careful of» is mainly British, Irish, Australian and New Zealand English; Americans say «watch»: «Watch your step».