Psychological
sy-kuh-LOJ-i-kuhl
/ˌsaɪkəˈlɒdʒɪkl/
Relating to the mind and mental states, or to psychology.
Refers to internal mental processes, emotions, and personality traits, often influencing observable behavior.
The story behind the word. The word 'psychological' comes from 'psychology,' which is derived from the Greek words 'psyche' (meaning 'soul' or 'mind') and 'logos' (meaning 'study' or 'discourse'). So, psychology is literally the 'study of the soul or mind.' The adjective 'psychological' describes anything pertaining to this study or to the mind itself.
Word relationships
- mental: More general, referring to the mind.
- emotional: Specifically relating to feelings.
- cognitive: Relating to the process of thought and reasoning.
- physical: Relating to the body rather than the mind.
- behavioral: Relating to observable actions rather than internal mental states.
Commonly confused with
- Behavioral: 'Psychological' refers to the internal mind (thoughts, feelings), while 'behavioral' refers to external, observable actions.
Word family
- psychology (noun): The scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behavior.
- psychologist (noun): A person who studies the human mind and behavior.
Collocations
- psychological profile
- psychological impact
- psychological factors
- psychological warfare
Example sentences
- "Criminal profiling delves deep into the psychological makeup of offenders to understand their motivations." The stress had a psychological impact.
- "The psychological effects of trauma on victims are a critical area of study in victimology." She sought psychological counseling.
Memory hook
Think of 'PSYCHO' as mind, and 'LOGICAL' as reasoned study of the mind. PSYCHE-LOGICAL mind
When not to use
Avoid using 'psychological' if you mean 'emotional' in a casual sense; it implies a more clinical or scientific understanding of mental states.
Fun facts
- The term 'psychology' was first used in the 16th century, but it became a recognized scientific discipline in the late 19th century.
- Criminal profiling heavily relies on psychological theories to interpret behavioral evidence.
Related words
Explore more words
subconscious, introspective, affect, introspection, motivation, psychoanalytic
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