mind-over-matter
/ˌmaɪnd əʊvə ˈmætə/ IELTSAcademic
idiom
The idea that mental strength can help you control pain, fear, or physical limits. It means willpower and focus can make a difficult thing feel easier.
- She used mind over matter to finish the race.
- Mind over matter helped him stay calm.
- Sometimes it's just mind over matter.
Adinary Nuance
Mind over matter is close to willpower, self-control, and mental strength, but it is more about winning over a physical or difficult feeling. Willpower is the inner power itself; mind over matter is the belief or idea that this power can overcome the body or a challenge. Writers use it when they want to stress endurance, pain tolerance, or focus.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- ý chí tinh thần
- Spanish
- mente sobre materia
- Chinese
- 意志战胜身体
- Japanese
- 精神力
- Korean
- 정신력
Etymology
The phrase became common in English in the 20th century. It combines the words mind, over, and matter to express control of the body by the mind.
Common phrases
mind over mattera mind-over-matter attitudepure mind over matter
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is mind over matter a common phrase in spoken English?
- Yes. People use it in everyday speech, especially about pain, exercise, or stress.
- How is mind over matter different from willpower?
- Willpower is the strength itself. Mind over matter is the idea that that strength can beat physical difficulty.
- Can I use mind over matter in formal writing?
- Yes, but it sounds a little idiomatic. It works well in articles, speeches, and self-help writing.