ego
word
Definition
The part of a person's sense of self that makes them think about themselves as an individual. In everyday use, it often means too much pride or an exaggerated sense of your own importance.
Usage & Nuances
Common in psychology and in everyday speech, but the everyday meaning is usually negative: 'He has a big ego.' Typical collocations include 'hurt someone's ego', 'boost your ego', and 'ego trip'. Don't confuse it with healthy confidence or self-esteem.
Example Sentences
His ego gets hurt when people ignore his ideas.
basic
She has a big ego and hates being wrong.
basic
Too much ego can cause problems in a team.
basic
I’m not saying this to stroke my ego—I really think we did a good job.
natural
He turned the meeting into an ego trip instead of solving the problem.
natural
Leave your ego at the door and listen to the feedback.
natural