word
Latin
Ego
lit. โIโ
The conscious self โ or, casually, an inflated sense of self-importance.
Origin
Freud's model split the psyche into id (drives), ego (reality-tested self), and superego (internalized morality). The ego mediates between drives and the world. Casual use has flattened it to mean 'pride.'
Modern usage
Two distinct uses: technical (psychology) and casual ('he has a huge ego'). Often confused.
Tags
psychology
self
Related
concept
Philosophy & Psychology
Shadow Self
Jung's term for the parts of the personality a person refuses to acknowledge.
concept
Philosophy & Psychology
Persona
The face one presents to the world, distinct from the inner self.
word
Greek Mythology
Narcissism
Excessive self-focus or self-love, often at the expense of others.