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alter-ego

noun

/ˌɔːltə(r) ˈiːɡəʊ

IPA:

Dictionary definition of alter-ego

A person's alternative personality that is different from their true self.
"Her alter ego on social media was more outgoing and confident than her real self."

Detailed meaning of alter-ego

"Alter ego" is a Latin phrase that translates to "other self." It is used to describe a person's secondary or alternative personality, one that is different from their true self, or that represents a different aspect of their personality. The term is often used to describe a situation where someone acts differently in certain situations or contexts, and it is used to refer to the person they become in those situations. In literature and media, alter egos are often used as a plot device, where a character has a secret identity, or a different personality that they adopt in certain situations. The term can also be used in psychology, to refer to the different aspects of a person's personality, or to the different roles that a person plays in their life. In business and politics, it can refer to a person who is known by a different name, or who has a different public persona, and the term can be used to describe a person who is known for different things in different contexts. The alter ego is often seen as a representation of a person's inner self, or the self they wish to be, or they are forced to be.

Example sentences containing alter-ego

1. Superman's alter-ego, Clark Kent, is a mild-mannered reporter.
2. Dr.
3. Jekyll's sinister alter-ego, Mr.
4. Hyde, terrorized Victorian London.
5. In literature, characters often battle their alter-egos as a central theme.
6. Batman's alter-ego, Bruce Wayne, is a billionaire philanthropist.

History and etymology of alter-ego

The noun 'alter-ego' has an intriguing etymology that reflects its meaning as a person's alternative or distinct personality. It originates from Latin, where 'alter' means 'other' or 'different,' and 'ego' translates to 'I' or 'self.' The combination of these two Latin words, 'alter' and 'ego,' forms 'alter-ego,' which signifies another self or a second identity that is separate from one's true self. This term has been adopted into English to describe a person's alternative personality or persona, often one that differs significantly from their authentic character. The etymology of 'alter-ego' encapsulates the idea of a dual or hidden self, highlighting the complexity of human identity and the notion that individuals can have multifaceted personalities, sometimes hidden from the public eye.

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Further usage examples of alter-ego

1. The masked vigilante's alter-ego remained a well-guarded secret.
2. The musician's alter-ego emerged on stage, captivating the audience.
3. Her alter-ego in the virtual world was a fierce warrior.
4. The actor transformed into his character's alter-ego for the role.
5. As a writer, he explored the concept of alter-egos in his novels.
6. The artist's alter-ego expressed emotions through abstract paintings.
7. In therapy, he confronted his alter-ego to understand his inner conflicts.
8. In his novels, the author often explores the concept of an alter-ego.
9. The superhero's alter-ego lived a completely ordinary life.
10. He created an alter-ego for the stage to overcome his shyness.
11. The detective's alter-ego allowed him to blend in with the criminal underworld.
12. The artist's alter-ego emerged in the form of her eccentric, abstract paintings.
13. The comedian's alter-ego had the audience roaring with laughter.
14. The scientist's alter-ego was a passionate advocate for environmental causes.
15. The shy teenager transformed into his alter-ego on the dance floor.
16. She used her alter-ego as a pen name for her provocative writings.
17. His alter-ego, the rock star, had a wild reputation on and offstage.
18. The introverted office worker had an alter-ego as a daring skydiver.
19. The musician's alter-ego allowed him to explore new musical genres.
20. The character in the video game served as the player's alter-ego in a virtual world.
21. Her alter-ego, "The Midnight Runner," was known for charitable deeds.
22. The actor seamlessly transitioned into his alter-ego for the role.
23. The writer's alter-ego took on a life of its own in the fictional universe.
24. The therapist encouraged her patient to explore her alter-ego as a therapeutic exercise.
25. The magician's alter-ego as "The Illusionist" captivated audiences worldwide.
26. The alter-ego of the detective allowed him to solve crimes that eluded him in his regular life.