Psyche: meaning, definitions and examples

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psyche

[ˈsaɪki ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

mental health

The human soul, mind, or spirit. It is often associated with the mental and emotional aspects of a person.

Synonyms

mind, soul, spirit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
psyche	Used in psychological or analytical contexts to discuss the inner workings of a person's mind and emotions. The trauma had a deep impact on her psyche. The therapist helped him explore the depths of his psyche.
soul	Typically used in spiritual or emotional contexts to discuss the essence of a person's being. Often carries a deeper, sometimes mystical connotation. He believed music touched his soul. They felt a deep soul connection.
mind	Generally used to refer to a person's ability to think and reason. Suitable for everyday conversation or discussing mental faculties. She has a sharp mind. He made up his mind to travel the world.
spirit	Often used in both emotional and motivational contexts, as well as in discussions about a person's liveliness or enthusiasm. Her spirit remained unbroken despite the challenges. The team showed great spirit and determination.

Examples of usage

Stress can have a negative impact on the psyche.
Her psyche was deeply affected by the traumatic experience.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

psychology

The totality of the human mind, conscious and unconscious. It includes thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Synonyms

consciousness, mental state, mind.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
psyche	Used similarly to 'psyche,' often referring to the overall mental and emotional state of a person, sometimes with a focus on deep or unconscious aspects. The horror movie aims to disturb the viewer's psyche. Understanding the human psyche is crucial for psychologists.
mind	General term for the part of a person that thinks, feels, and wills. Used in a variety of contexts from casual conversation to formal discussions. You need to have a clear mind to solve this problem. The book explores the complexities of the human mind.
consciousness	Refers to being aware of and able to think about one's own existence and surroundings. Often used in scientific and medical contexts. After the accident, it took several hours for him to regain consciousness. Meditation can help elevate one's level of consciousness.
mental state	Describes a person's emotional and psychological condition at a particular time. Commonly used in everyday conversation and therapeutic settings. Her mental state has improved since she started therapy. Stressful events can negatively impact your mental state.

Examples of usage

The study of the psyche is a fundamental aspect of psychology.
The therapist helped her explore the depths of her psyche.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

informal

To mentally prepare oneself for a challenging situation.

Synonyms

motivate, prepare mentally, psych up.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
psyche	Used to refer to the human soul, mind, or spirit. Often used in a broader, more philosophical sense. She's a deep thinker, always pondering the mysteries of the human psyche
motivate	Used when encouraging someone to take action or feel enthusiastic about a task or goal. Commonly found in motivational speaking and self-help contexts. The coach's pep talk really motivated the team before the big game
prepare mentally	Used when talking about getting oneself or someone else ready for a challenging situation or task, emphasizing mental readiness and concentration. You need to prepare mentally for the exam to ensure you do your best
psych up	Used colloquially to describe getting oneself excited or emotionally ready for something, often through self-encouragement. Informal and typically positive. He psyched himself up before the big performance by listening to his favorite music

Examples of usage

She needed to psyche herself up before the big presentation.
I tried to psyche myself into a positive mindset.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Greek 'psyche', meaning 'soul' or 'spirit'.
In ancient mythology, Psyche was a mortal woman who became the goddess of the soul after her adventures.
The term has been used in philosophy since ancient times to discuss the nature of the mind.

Psychology

In psychology, psyche refers to the totality of the human mind, including conscious and unconscious processes.
Sigmund Freud's model of the psyche includes three parts: the id, ego, and superego, each playing a role in our behaviors and thoughts.
Cognitive psychology looks at how our psyche processes information, forming the basis of our learning and decision-making.

Literature

Psyche appears in both classical literature and modern stories, representing the struggle between the mind and emotions.
In 'Psyche and Eros', the ancient tale explores themes of love, trust, and transformation.
Many poets and writers have drawn on the concept of the psyche to discuss existential dilemmas and human experience.

Pop Culture

The term is often used in various films and books to explore characters' inner struggles, reflecting their psyche.
Psychoanalysis, popularized by Freud, influenced films like Alfred Hitchcock's 'Psycho', which delves into the darker sides of human nature.
Video games often incorporate elements of the psyche in storylines, creating challenges that represent internal conflicts.

Science

Neuroscience advances have provided insights into how the brain’s physical structure supports the functions of the psyche.
Studies show that emotions have a significant impact on decision-making, revealing the link between psyche and behavior.
Psychological research incorporates therapeutic practices to understand and enhance mental well-being, emphasizing the importance of the psyche in health.

Translations

Translations of the word "psyche" in other languages:

🇵🇹 psique

🇮🇳 मनोविज्ञान

🇩🇪 Psyche

🇮🇩 psike

🇺🇦 психіка

🇵🇱 psyche

🇯🇵 精神 (せいしん)

🇫🇷 psyché

🇪🇸 psique

🇹🇷 psişe

🇰🇷 정신 (jeongsin)

🇸🇦 نفس

🇨🇿 psyche

🇸🇰 psyche

🇨🇳 心灵 (xīnlíng)

🇸🇮 psihika

🇮🇸 sál

🇰🇿 психика

🇬🇪 ფსიქიკა

🇦🇿 psixika

🇲🇽 psique

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,732, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

...
13729 halo
13730 substantiate
13731 verbally
13732 psyche
13733 reformer
13734 havoc
13735 scraps
...