alter ego

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noun al·ter ego \ ˌȯl-tər-ˈē-(ˌ)gō also -ˈe-(ˌ)gō \

Definition of alter ego

:a second self or different version of oneself: such as

a :a trusted friend

b :the opposite side of a personality

Clark Kent and his alter ego Superman

c :counterpart 3

a fictional character that is the author's alter ego

See alter ego defined for English-language learners

See alter ego defined for kids

Examples of alter ego in a Sentence

a trusted adviser who is the President's alter ego
over the years the state's other senator became his alter ego as well as his political ally

Did You Know?

In Latin, alter ego literally means "second I". An alter ego can be thought of as a person's clone or second self. A professional alter ego might be a trusted aide who knows exactly what the boss wants done. A personal alter ego might be a close friend who is almost like a twin. Alter ego can also refer to the second, hidden side of one's own self. In Robert Louis Stevenson's classic The Strange Case of Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Dr. Jekyll is a good-hearted, honorable man; but after taking a potion, his alter ego, the loathsome and diabolical Mr. Hyde, takes over his personality.

Origin and Etymology of alter ego

Latin, literally, second I

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1537

See Words from the same year

alter ego Synonyms

Synonyms

friend, amigo, buddy, chum, compadre, comrade, confidant, confidante, crony, familiar, intimate, mate [chiefly British], musketeer, pal

Antonyms

enemy, foe

Related Words

acquaintance; associate, cohort, colleague, companion, fellow, hearty, hobnobber, partner, peer, sport; blood brother, brother, main man, sister; abettor (also abetter), accomplice, ally, collaborator, confederate; pen pal; benefactor, supporter, sympathizer, well-wisher; friendly

Near Antonyms

adversary, antagonist, competitor, opponent, rival; archenemy, nemesis

ALTER EGO Defined for English Language Learners

alter ego

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noun

Definition of alter ego for English Language Learners

: a different version of yourself
: a close friend who thinks or feels similarly to the way you think or feel

Law Dictionary

alter ego

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noun al·ter ego \ ˈȯl-tər-ˈē-gō \

legal Definition of alter ego

:second self; especially :a person or entity vicariously liable for another (as an agent)

had the officer been the alter ego of the corporation
—J. J. White and R. S. Summers

— compare instrumentality

Note: The concept of a legal alter ego is used primarily to hold the controlling parties of a corporation personally liable instead of limiting liability to the corporate entity.