B2adjectiveformal2K

Psychological

UK /["/ˌsaɪkəˈlɒdʒɪkl/"]/US /["/ˌsaɪkəˈlɑːdʒɪkl/"]/

Definition

connected with a person’s mind and the way in which it works

In simple words: Related to the mind and how it thinks or feels.

Examples

  • the psychological development of children
  • Abuse can lead to both psychological and emotional problems.
  • Her symptoms are more psychological than physical *(= imaginary rather than real)*.
  • Victory in the last game gave them **a psychological advantage** over their opponents.
  • a psychological novel *(= one that examines the minds of the characters)*
  • Everyone has their own personal and psychological needs.
  • Her latest movie is a tense psychological drama.
  • psychological research
  • A psychological study of refugee children came up with some worrying results.
  • The trick is in finding the (right) psychological moment to ask him for more money.

Usage notes

Use 'psychological' in contexts involving mental processes, emotions, or disorders. It's used more in academic or professional settings rather than casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'psyche' for the mind and remember 'psychological' is about mental things.

Collocations

  • be
  • purely

Synonyms

  • mental
  • cognitive
  • emotional
  • intellectual
  • behavioral

Antonyms

  • physical
  • material

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'psychic', which refers to supernatural abilities.
  • Used incorrectly as a noun instead of an adjective.