ego

Latin

Variants

ego

Related Roots

About This Root

Latin pronoun meaning "I" (the self). Entered English through philosophy and psychology, especially Freud's model of the psyche. Produces ego (the self), egocentric (self-centered), egoism (philosophy of self-interest), and egotist (one excessively focused on self). A small root, but central to how we talk about self-awareness and selfishness.

Associated Words

ego

One's sense of self-importance; the conscious self

IELTSB2

egocentric

Thinking only of oneself; self-centered

GREC2

egoism

Excessive self-interest; the belief that morality is based on self-interest

TOEFLGREB2

egotist

A conceited, self-centered person who talks excessively about themselves

GREC2