ego
EE-goh
/ˈiːɡoʊ/
The realistic part of the mind that mediates between the desires of the id and the constraints of reality.
In casual talk, ego means vanity, but in psychoanalysis, it is the conscious executive manager of personality.
The story behind the word. Borrowed directly from Latin 'ego' meaning 'I'. Sigmund Freud wrote in German using 'Das Ich' ('the I'), which English translators rendered as the Latinate 'ego'.
Word relationships
- self-concept: Self-concept is how you perceive yourself, whereas the ego in psychoanalysis is the functional regulator of reality.
- pride: Pride is an emotion of satisfaction, whereas ego refers to the conscious sense of self or mental executive.
- altruism: Altruism is selflessness, directly contrasting with self-centered ego focus.
Commonly confused with
- id: The id represents primal drives; the ego represents rational management.
Word family
- egotistical (adjective): Excessively self-centered or conceited.
- egocentrism (noun): Inability to differentiate between self and other.
Collocations
- ego defense mechanisms
- fragile ego
- ego strength
- boost one's ego
Idioms & expressions
- stroke one's ego
- ego trip
Example sentences
- "Freud explained that the ego must balance the impulse-driven id with the strict morality of the superego." Freudian Theory
- "He had to put his ego aside and listen to feedback from his team to resolve the project's issues." Modern Context
Memory hook
EGO is the conscious 'I' sitting in the executive chair of your brain. EGO = I, the practical manager inside.
When not to use
Do not confuse the Freudian ego (rational mediator) with mere arrogance unless speaking casually.
Fun facts
- Freud never actually wrote the word 'Ego'; he wrote 'Das Ich' ('The I'), but English translators added Latin terms to make psychology sound more scientific.
Related words
Explore more words
psyche, grounded, egocentrism, humble, subconscious, regression
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