Word of the Day – Imago

Imago (noun)

im-ay-go

The idealised mental image of someone, often a parent, that affects our behaviour. Also, the final and fully developed stage of an insect, typically winged.

Late 18th century (in imago (sense 1)): modern Latin use of Latin imago ‘image’. imago (sense 2) dates from the early 20th century.

Example sentences

“When it’s fully formed into an imago, you’ll see the beautiful butterfly it is.”

“Sadly the child’s ego is being hugely effected by the parental imagos.”