Ego vs. Attitude — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 5, 2023
Ego refers to one's sense of self-worth, while Attitude denotes one's feelings or perspectives toward a particular subject.
Difference Between Ego and Attitude
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Ego and Attitude are terms often used in the context of personal development and psychology. Ego primarily pertains to an individual's sense of self-importance or self-worth. It's the part of the mind that mediates between conscious and unconscious thoughts. Attitude, on the other hand, is a set way of thinking or feeling about something, typically reflected in a person's behavior.
In the realm of psychology, the Ego is considered a part of the tripartite system, which includes the Id, Ego, and Superego. It serves as the reality factor, balancing desires and morality. Attitude doesn't have this intricate system within psychology but is vital in understanding human behavior as it signifies an individual's predisposition towards various aspects of life.
While the Ego can be deemed as more intrinsic, reflecting an individual's perception of themselves in the world, Attitude is extrinsic. It reflects how individuals orient themselves based on their feelings, beliefs, and past experiences towards certain situations or objects.
Both Ego and Attitude play crucial roles in shaping human behavior. A person's Ego can influence their confidence, ambition, and interactions with others. In contrast, Attitude can determine their reactions, approach, and responses to different situations and people.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Sense of self-worth
Predisposition or mindset toward a subject
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Origin
Intrinsic to an individual
Often shaped by external factors & experiences
Role in Behavior
Influences self-perception & confidence
Dictates reactions and approach to situations
Psychological Component
Part of the tripartite system
Doesn't belong to the tripartite system
Stability
Generally consistent over short term
Can change based on new experiences or info
Compare with Definitions
Ego
Individual's self-perception.
Her Ego was boosted by the applause.
Attitude
Mental position regarding a fact or state.
His Attitude towards health changed after the incident.
Ego
Sense of personal identity.
His Ego was deeply hurt by the criticism.
Attitude
Mindset towards a particular subject.
He had a casual Attitude towards deadlines.
Ego
Measure of self-importance.
An inflated Ego can sometimes blind one's judgment.
Attitude
Personal viewpoint based on experiences.
Years of travel shaped her Attitude towards different cultures.
Ego
The "I" or self of any person.
With a bruised Ego, he declined the offer.
Attitude
Set way of thinking or feeling.
Her positive Attitude was infectious.
Ego
A person's sense of self-esteem or self-importance
He needed a boost to his ego
Attitude
A settled way of thinking or feeling about something
He was questioned on his attitude to South Africa
Being competitive is an attitude of mind
Ego
The self, especially as distinct from the world and other selves.
Attitude
Truculent or uncooperative behaviour
I asked the waiter for a clean fork and all I got was attitude
Ego
In psychoanalytic theory, the division of the psyche that is conscious, is responsible for our feelings of selfhood, and most directly interacts with external reality.
Attitude
The orientation of an aircraft or spacecraft, relative to the direction of travel.
Ego
An exaggerated sense of self-importance; conceit.
Attitude
A manner of thinking, feeling, or behaving that reflects a state of mind or disposition
Has a positive attitude about work.
Kept a dignified attitude throughout the crisis.
Ego
Appropriate pride in oneself; self-esteem.
Attitude
Arrogant or aggressive disposition or behavior
One customer with a lot of attitude really tried my patience.
Ego
The self, especially with a sense of self-importance.
Attitude
A position of the body or manner of carrying oneself
Stood in a graceful attitude.
Ego
The most central part of the mind, which mediates with one's surroundings.
Attitude
A position similar to an arabesque in which a ballet dancer stands on one leg with the other raised either in front or in back and bent at the knee.
Ego
The conscious and permanent subject of all psychical experiences, whether held to be directly known or the product of reflective thought; the subject consciously considered as "I" by a person; - opposed to non-ego.
Attitude
The orientation of an aircraft's axes relative to a reference line or plane, such as the horizon.
Ego
That one of the three parts of a person's psychic apparatus that mediates consciously between the drives of the id and the realities of the external physical and social environment, by integrating perceptions of the external world and organizing the reactions to it. Contrasted with the id and superego.
Attitude
The orientation of a spacecraft relative to its direction of motion.
Ego
Egotism; as, a job requiring a diplomat without too much ego.
Attitude
The position of the body or way of carrying oneself.
The ballet dancer walked with a graceful attitude.
Ego
Self-esteem; as, he has an overinflated ego.
Attitude
(figurative) Disposition or state of mind.
Don't give me your negative attitude.
You've got a nice attitude today.
Ego
An inflated feeling of pride in your superiority to others
Attitude
Unpleasant behavior.
He doesn't take attitude from anybody.
I asked the waiter for a clean fork and all I got was attitude.
Ego
Your consciousness of your own identity
Attitude
The orientation of a vehicle or other object relative to the horizon, direction of motion, other objects, etc.
The airliner had to land with a nose-up attitude after the incident.
Ego
(psychoanalysis) the conscious mind
Attitude
(ballet) A position similar to arabesque, but with the raised leg bent at the knee.
Ego
Part mediating conscious and unconscious thoughts.
The Ego strives to balance desires and realities.
Attitude
To assume or to place in a particular position or orientation; to pose.
Attitude
To express an attitude through one's posture, bearing, tone of voice, etc.
Attitude
The posture, action, or disposition of a figure or a statue.
Attitude
The posture or position of a person or an animal, or the manner in which the parts of his body are disposed; position assumed or studied to serve a purpose; as, a threatening attitude; an attitude of entreaty.
Attitude
Fig.: Position as indicating action, feeling, or mood; as, in times of trouble let a nation preserve a firm attitude; one's mental attitude in respect to religion.
The attitude of the country was rapidly changing.
'T is business of a painter in his choice of attitudes (posituræ) to foresee the effect and harmony of the lights and shadows.
Never to keep the body in the same posture half an hour at a time.
Attitude
A complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways;
He had the attitude that work was fun
Attitude
Position or arrangement of the body and its limbs;
He assumed an attitude of surrender
Attitude
A theatrical pose created for effect;
The actor struck just the right attitude
Attitude
Position of aircraft or spacecraft relative to a frame of reference (the horizon or direction of motion)
Attitude
Behavioral disposition based on beliefs.
With a defeatist Attitude, he failed to see the opportunities.
Common Curiosities
How does Ego influence behavior?
Ego, being the sense of self, can shape one's confidence, ambition, and interpersonal relations.
Is Ego always negative?
No, having a healthy Ego is essential for self-confidence and self-respect.
What is Ego?
Ego refers to an individual's sense of self-worth or self-importance.
Why is Ego significant in psychology?
Ego is a core concept in psychoanalytic theory, mediating between desires and moral constraints.
How does Attitude impact decision-making?
An individual's Attitude towards certain subjects can influence their choices and reactions.
Can Ego and Attitude be interrelated?
Yes, a strong Ego might shape certain Attitudes, and vice versa.
What factors shape one's Attitude?
Personal experiences, cultural background, education, and beliefs are among the factors.
How is Attitude defined?
Attitude is a set way of thinking or feeling about something, often reflected in behavior.
Can Attitudes change?
Yes, Attitudes can evolve based on new experiences, information, or perspectives.
How can one boost their Ego?
Positive reinforcements, accomplishments, and self-awareness can bolster one's Ego.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
