psyche
SEYE-kee
Psyche (noun) means a person's mind, soul, or innermost self, especially in terms of thoughts and emotions. Example: “Years of criticism had left a deep mark on his psyche.”
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
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Word forms
- Plural
- psyches
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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.
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “psyche” mean?
The word “psyche” means a person's mind, soul, or innermost self, especially in terms of thoughts and emotions. In plain terms, the deep, inner part of a person's mind — their thoughts, feelings, and sense of self.
How do you pronounce “psyche”?
“Psyche” is pronounced SEYE-kee (/ˈsaɪ.ki/ in IPA).
How do you use “psyche” in a sentence?
Here is “psyche” used in a sentence: “Years of criticism had left a deep mark on his psyche.”
What part of speech is “psyche”?
“Psyche” is a noun.
Where does the word “psyche” come from?
The word “psyche” comes from Greek. From Greek psykhē ("soul, mind"), also the name of a mythological princess loved by Cupid.
Is “psyche” a common word?
“Psyche” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
