of unsound mind

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Explanation of "of Unsound Mind"

Definition:
The phrase "of unsound mind" describes a person who is not mentally healthy or stable. This means they might not be able to think clearly, make good decisions, or understand things properly. In legal terms, it refers to someone who is not competent to stand trial or handle their own affairs because they cannot think rationally.

Advanced Usage

In legal contexts, "of unsound mind" can affect decisions about a person's ability to enter contracts, make medical decisions, or be held criminally responsible. It can also come up in discussions about guardianship or mental health evaluations.

Different Meanings

• In everyday language, "unsound" can also mean something that is not based on good reasoning or is not reliable.
  • Example: "His argument was based on unsound logic."

Synonyms

• Mentally unstable
• Incompetent
• Crazy (informal, can be considered disrespectful)
• Unfit

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

While there are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs that include "of unsound mind," you might hear related phrases like: - "Not all there": This informal expression suggests someone is not thinking clearly.
- Example: "He seems not all there today." - "Out of one's mind": This expression means someone is acting irrationally or in a crazy way.
- Example: "She was out of her mind with worry."

Conclusion

"Of unsound mind" is a formal phrase used primarily in legal and psychological contexts to describe someone who is not mentally stable.

Academic

Adjective

1. not of sound mind, memory, or understanding; in law, not competent to go to trial

Synonyms

• non compos mentis
• of unsound mind