second self: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, literary; occasionally used in semi-formal speech.
Quick answer
What does “second self” mean?
A person who is extremely close to another, sharing their thoughts and feelings.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who is extremely close to another, sharing their thoughts and feelings; a trusted friend or confidant considered as an extension of oneself.
Can also refer to an object, role, or aspect of oneself that one is deeply identified with (e.g., a work persona).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage; it is equally understood in both varieties.
Connotations
Both varieties carry a formal/literary connotation. Slightly more common in British literary contexts.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but the concept is universally recognised.
Grammar
How to Use “second self” in a Sentence
[Person A] + consider/regard + [Person B] + (as) + a second self[Person B] + be/become + a second self + to + [Person A]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “second self” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The role does not verb; 'second' as a verb is separate (e.g., to second a motion).
American English
- The role does not verb; 'second' as a verb is separate (e.g., to second a proposal).
adverb
British English
- Not used adverbially.
American English
- Not used adverbially.
adjective
British English
- Not used adjectivally. *'A second-self friend' is incorrect.
American English
- Not used adjectivally. *'A second-self relationship' is incorrect.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could describe an utterly trusted deputy or partner, e.g., 'She became his second self in running the company.'
Academic
Used in literary analysis, psychology (self-concept), and philosophy (identity).
Everyday
Uncommon in casual talk; would be used deliberately for strong emphasis on closeness.
Technical
Not a technical term, though 'alter ego' is used in psychology/law.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “second self”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “second self”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “second self”
- Using it for a casual friend. *'My gym buddy is my second self.' (Incorrect, too weak). Treating it as a compound adjective. *'He is very second-self to me.' (Incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Second self' implies a deeper, almost merged identity and is more formal. A 'best friend' is a common term; a 'second self' is a specific, stronger concept within that category.
Metaphorically and poetically, yes (e.g., 'His diary was his second self'), but this is extended usage. The primary meaning refers to a person.
They are close synonyms. 'Alter ego' can more readily imply a different, often hidden, side of one's personality (e.g., a secret identity). 'Second self' emphasises trust and replication of one's known self in another person.
It is recognised but not common in everyday speech. It belongs to a more formal, literary, or emphatic register. People are more likely to say 'other half' or 'soulmate' in casual contexts.
A person who is extremely close to another, sharing their thoughts and feelings.
Second self is usually formal, literary; occasionally used in semi-formal speech. in register.
Second self: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsek.ənd ˈself/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsek.ənd ˈself/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “My right-hand man/woman (contextual, implies trusted aide rather than emotional intimacy)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine your 'self' is split into two identical, trusted parts; the SECOND version of you is your 'second self' – someone who knows you as well as you know yourself.
Conceptual Metaphor
FRIENDSHIP IS IDENTITY MERGING / A TRUSTED PERSON IS AN EXTENSION OF ONESELF.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'second self' LEAST appropriate?