ego

e-go · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A person's sense of self-esteem or self-importance.

  2. 2.

    (In psychoanalysis) The part of the mind that mediates between the conscious and unconscious, responsible for reality testing and a sense of personal identity.

  3. 3.

    (Philosophy) The self, especially as distinct from the world and other selves.

Forms

plural: egos

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    ego trip — an activity done to boost one's self-importance
  • •
    alter ego — a second self or different version of oneself
  • •
    bruised ego — damaged self-esteem
  • •
    ego boost — something that increases self-confidence

Related words

Antonyms: humility, modesty
See also: id, identity, self, superego
Synonyms: self, self-esteem, self-image

Etymology

From Latin ego ("I"). Adopted into psychological terminology by Sigmund Freud in the early 20th century, though used philosophically before that.