ego

/'egou/

Thân thiện

A man's ego prevents him from asking for directions.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Psychoanalysis) The conscious mind: In psychoanalytic theory, the "ego" is the part of the psyche that mediates between the conscious and unconscious, and is responsible for reality testing and a sense of personal identity.
   • The self, especially as distinct from the world and other selves: "Ego" refers to a person's sense of self-esteem or self-importance; one's conscious thinking self.
   • An inflated feeling of pride in one's superiority to others: In common usage, "ego" often denotes excessive pride or self-centeredness.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • In Freud's model, the ego must balance the demands of the id and the superego.
  • His ego was bruised by the criticism.
  • She has a huge ego and is always talking about her achievements.

Advanced Usage

• "Ego trip": An activity or pattern of behavior undertaken primarily to boost one's self-esteem or for self-gratification.
  • Running for office was just an ego trip for him.
• "Alter ego": A second self or a very close and trusted friend who seems almost like a different version of oneself.
  • The superhero's alter ego is a mild-mannered reporter.
• "Ego death": A complete loss of subjective self-identity, often discussed in spiritual, philosophical, or psychedelic contexts.
  • The meditation retreat aimed to facilitate a profound experience of ego death.

Variants and Related Words

• Egoism (n): An ethical theory that treats self-interest as the foundation of morality. More generally, it can mean excessive concern for oneself.
• Egocentric (adj): Thinking only of oneself, without regard for the feelings or desires of others; self-centered.
• Egotism (n): The practice of talking and thinking about oneself excessively because of an undue sense of self-importance.

Synonyms

• Self: The entire person of an individual.
• Self-esteem: Confidence in one's own worth or abilities.
• Pride: A feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements.
• Conceit: Excessive pride in oneself.

Related Phrases

• Boost someone's ego: To make someone feel more confident or proud.
  • The compliment really boosted her ego.
• Ego boost (n): Something that increases one's confidence or pride.
  • Winning the award was a real ego boost.
• Check your ego: To stop being so arrogant or self-centered.
  • He needs to check his ego and start listening to his team.

Related Idioms

• "Ego the size of a house": Used to describe someone who is extremely arrogant or has an inflated sense of self-importance.
  • The new manager has an ego the size of a house.
• "To stroke someone's ego": To say nice things to someone to make them feel more important or proud.
  • He's always stroking the boss's ego.

Học thuật

Noun

1. (psychoanalysis) the conscious mind
2. your consciousness of your own identity
3. an inflated feeling of pride in your superiority to others

Từ đồng nghĩa

• self
• egotism
• self-importance