psyche

Where does the word "psyche" come from? It comes from Greek Psykhe, and was adopted directly into English (1640s).

Psyche’s story begins in Greek: Psykhe meant “the soul, the mythical princess Psyche.” A mortal princess in myth who became the personification of the soul, beloved by Cupid. It reached English by 1640s as psyche. Psyche, the mortal loved by Cupid in Apuleius's 'Golden Ass', personified the soul. Today, psyche means the human soul, mind, or spirit, especially as it relates to thoughts and emotions.

1. Stage 1 · Greek · ancient Psykhe "the soul, the mythical princess Psyche", a mortal princess in myth who became the personification of the soul, beloved by Cupid.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1640s psyche "the human soul, spirit, or mind", Psyche, the mortal loved by Cupid in Apuleius's 'Golden Ass', personified the soul.