alter ego

American  

[awl-ter ee-goh, eg-oh, al-] / ˈɔl tər ˈi goʊ, ˌɛg oʊ, ˈæl- /

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.

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alter ego British  

/ ˈæltər ˈiːɡəʊ, ˈɛɡəʊ /

noun

1. a second self

2. a very close and intimate friend

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alter ego Cultural  

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.”

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Etymology

Origin of alter ego

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

Example Sentences

Hip-hop’s biggest anime ambassador these days may be Megan Thee Stallion, who built a whole alter ego, Todoroki Tina, around her favorite character from “My Hero Academia.”

From Salon • May 31, 2026

Herrmann, Hitchcock’s musical alter ego, also wrote the underscore, or background music.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

McGuigan calls the brashness part of an "alter ego", suggesting Caroline is playing the part, but also sees a deeper link to the independence she has carved out.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

Steve, how did you think about Greg’s alter ego, Rooster, the star of his books?

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 9, 2026

Laney—the youngest Vanderbeeker—had transformed into her alter ego, Panda-Laney.

From "The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street" by Karina Yan Glaser

Related Words

• soul mate