alter ego

[awl-ter ee-goh, eg-oh, al-]

noun

1. a second self; a perfect substitute or deputy.

   His adviser acts as his alter ego during his absence.

2. an inseparable friend.

3. another aspect of one's self.

alter ego

/ ˈæltər ˈiːɡəʊ, ˈɛɡəʊ /

noun

1. a second self

2. a very close and intimate friend

alter ego

1. An intimate friend, considered another side of oneself: “He was my alter ego; we were always picking up each other's thoughts.” Alter ego is Latin for “another I.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of alter ego¹

1530–40; < Latin (Cicero), probably translation of Greek állos egṓ, héteros egṓ another I

Word History and Origins

Origin of alter ego¹

Latin: other self

Related Words

• soul mate