of sound mind
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective Phrase:
- Mentally competent; sane: The phrase "of sound mind" describes a person whose mental faculties are healthy, complete, and functioning normally. It specifically refers to the ability to think rationally, understand information, and make reasonable decisions.
- Legally competent: In a legal context, it signifies that a person has sufficient mental capacity to understand the nature and consequences of their actions, such as making a will, signing a contract, or standing trial.
Examples of Usage
- Adjective Phrase:
- The doctor testified that the elderly woman was of sound mind when she wrote her will.
- To sign this legal document, you must be of sound mind and of legal age.
- The court must determine if the defendant is of sound mind before the trial can proceed.
Advanced Usage
- "To be of sound mind and body": A common, more formal expression emphasizing both mental and physical health, often used in legal or official declarations.
- I declare that I am of sound mind and body when executing this document.
Variants and Related Words
- Soundness (n): The quality or state of being sound, especially in mind or judgment.
- The soundness of his decision was later proven correct.
- Compos mentis (adj): A Latin legal term directly synonymous with "of sound mind."
- Lucid (adj): Clear-minded, especially during brief periods of clarity.
- The patient was lucid and able to give consent.
Synonyms
- Sane: Not mentally ill; having a sound, healthy mind.
- Mentally competent: Having the mental ability to understand and act.
- Rational: Based on or in accordance with reason or logic.
Antonyms
- Of unsound mind: The direct legal antonym.
- Non compos mentis: The Latin legal term for not of sound mind.
- Incompetent (legally): Lacking the legal capacity to act.
- Insane: In a state of mind that prevents normal perception, behavior, or social interaction.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- "In one's right mind": Thinking or behaving normally and sensibly. Often used in negative or conditional constructions.
- No one in their right mind would go out in that storm.
- "To have all one's marbles" (informal): To be sane and mentally alert.
- At 95, she still has all her marbles.
Adjective
- of sound mind, memory, and understanding; in law, competent to go to trial