noun
psyche
SEYE-kee
noun
1
A person's mind, soul, or innermost self, especially in terms of thoughts and emotions.
"Years of criticism had left a deep mark on his psyche."
"The novel explores the psyche of a soldier returning from war."
How to Use Psyche
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe deep, inner part of a person's mind — their thoughts, feelings, and sense of self.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "psychic" (an adjective/noun about supernatural perception) — "psyche" is simply the mind or soul.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
the human psyche
damage someone's psyche
collective psyche
Word Forms
psyches plural
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Years of criticism had left a deep mark on his _____.
Etymology
From Greek psykhē ("soul, mind"), also the name of a mythological princess loved by Cupid.