C1noun 2K

Ego

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈiːɡəʊ//ˈeɡəʊ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈiːɡəʊ/"]/

Meaning of Ego

your sense of your own value and importance

In simple words: A person's sense of self or self-importance.

Ego in a sentence

• He has the biggest ego of anyone I've ever met.
• Winning the prize really **boosted her ego**.
• He was lucky to escape with just a bruised ego when he fell off his bike.
• It was a huge blow to her ego to find out she was so unpopular.
• Professionals need to check their egos and change their techniques.
• She likes to mix with people who flatter her ego.
• Unconditional surrender was more than his fragile ego could bear.
• Freud introduced the idea that a part of the ego is unconscious.
• The part of the ego which does the criticizing is the conscience.

How to use Ego

Used in both formal and informal contexts. In psychology, 'ego' can refer to the part of the mind that is responsible for self-identity. Avoid using it in overly casual contexts where it may seem pretentious.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'E-GO' as if saying 'It's all about me!'

Related words

Collocations with Ego

• big
• bloated
• enormous
• have
• boost
• feed
• boost
• gratification
• trip
• a blow to somebody’s ego
• a boost to somebody’s ego
• check your ego (at the door)

Synonyms for Ego

• self
• self-esteem
• identity
• self-importance
• pride

Opposites of Ego

• humility
• modesty
• selflessness

Common mistakes with Ego

• Confused with 'egoism' (excessive focus on oneself).
• Overusing the term in everyday conversation.
• Mispronouncing it as 'ee-go' instead of 'ay-go'.

Frequently asked questions about Ego

What does Ego mean?

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

What is the definition of Ego?

your sense of your own value and importance

How do you use Ego in a sentence?

He has the biggest ego of anyone I've ever met.

Can you give another example of Ego?

Winning the prize really **boosted her ego**.

What are synonyms for Ego?

Common alternatives include self, self-esteem, identity, self-importance, pride.

What is the opposite of Ego?

Opposite meanings include humility, modesty, selflessness.

What words go with Ego?

It commonly pairs with big, bloated, enormous, have, boost, feed, boost, gratification, trip, a blow to somebody’s ego, a boost to somebody’s ego, check your ego (at the door).

What are common mistakes when using Ego?

Confused with 'egoism' (excessive focus on oneself). Overusing the term in everyday conversation. Mispronouncing it as 'ee-go' instead of 'ay-go'.

How do you pronounce Ego?

US: /["/ˈiːɡəʊ/"]/, UK: /["/ˈiːɡəʊ//ˈeɡəʊ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Ego?

Used in both formal and informal contexts. In psychology, 'ego' can refer to the part of the mind that is responsible for self-identity. Avoid using it in overly casual contexts where it may seem pretentious.

What CEFR level is Ego?

"Ego" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.