Word Power Made Easy
Sessions 1-3: How to Talk About Personality Types
Let's explore the words that describe the people we meet every day.
The 10 Personality Types
In these sessions, we will build a map of 10 key personality types. By learning their roots, you'll learn to think, not just memorize.
- Egoist
- Egotist
- Altruist
- Introvert
- Extrovert
- Ambivert
- Misanthrope
- Misogynist
- Misogamist
- Ascetic
The First Root: EGO
(Latin: "I" or "self")
This root is the starting point for personalities concerned with their own "self".
Motivated by self-interest. Every decision is based on the question:
"What's in it for me?"
Talks excessively about their own accomplishments and experiences.
"Let me tell you how great I am..."
Egoist vs. Egotist
What's the difference? Look at the extra "T".
- An Egoist (no 'T') is selfish in their actions. (Greed)
- An Egotist (with a 'T') is selfish in their talk. (Boastfulness)
Both are selfish, but one is about *deeds* and the other is about *words*.
(self)
(center)
Someone who considers themself the center of the universe.
"Everything revolves around me."
(self)
(madness)
A person who is morbidly obsessed with their own self.
This is Egoism to a dangerous, pathological extreme.
The adjective form of Egomaniac.
"He has an egomaniacal desire for control."
AI-Powered Extra: The Ego
In psychology (popularized by Sigmund Freud), the `Ego` is the part of the mind that mediates between conscious and unconscious.
- The Id: Your primitive, instinctual desires.
- The Superego: Your moral conscience.
- The Ego: The realistic part that balances them.
So, an `Egoist` or `Egocentric` person is one whose `Ego` is overly focused on the desires of the `Id`.
The Second Root: ALTER
(Latin: "other")
This root is the basis for words related to "other" people or "other" choices.
Prioritizes the welfare of others over their own, finding happiness in helping.
"Let me help you."
The noun for the philosophy or practice of an altruist.
"Her life was guided by altruism."
The adjective form.
"She made an altruistic donation."
To skip one and take the other.
"He alternates between hope and despair."
An other choice.
"There is no alternative."
A change; making something other than it was.
"The tailor made alterations to the suit."
A verbal dispute; a "fight" with the other person.
"They got into an altercation on the street."
Your other self. A trusted friend or a secret identity.
"Batman is Bruce Wayne's alter ego."
The Third Root: VERTO
(Latin: "to turn")
This root combines with prefixes to show which way a personality "turns".
(inward)
(to turn)
One who turns thoughts inward. Often introspective, quiet, and prefers solitude.
(outward)
(to turn)
One who turns thoughts outward. Outgoing, sociable, and enjoys being with people.
(both)
(to turn)
One who turns thoughts both ways. A balanced personality with both introverted and extroverted traits.
(both)
(right hand)
Able to use both hands as if they were right hands (i.e., with equal skill).
From `VERTO`. Able to turn to many different tasks or skills.
"She is a versatile musician."
From `AD-` (against) + `VERTO` (to turn).
A state of misfortune or hardship; when events turn against you.
From `AB-` (away) + `VERTO` (to turn).
To turn away (e.g., your eyes or a disaster).
"He averted his gaze."
From `IN-` (not) + `AD-` (to) + `VERTO` (to turn).
Unintentional; literally, not turning one's mind to it.
From `CON-` (with) + `VERTO` (to turn).
To turn with; to change from one form or belief to another.
From `RE-` (back) + `VERTO` (to turn).
To turn back to a former state or habit.
From `SUB-` (under) + `VERTO` (to turn).
To turn from beneath; to overthrow or undermine authority.
From `CONTRA-` (against) + `VERTO` (to turn).
To turn against; to argue or dispute.
Directly from `VERTO`.
A sensation of whirling or loss of balance; dizziness, as if the world is turning around you.
The Fourth Root: MISEIN
(Greek: "to hate")
This root forms the basis for personalities who "hate" specific groups or concepts.
(to hate)
(mankind)
One who hates humanity. Cynical and suspicious of everyone.
The 'Hate' Roots: ANTHROPOS
(Greek: "mankind")
This root, meaning "mankind," gives us other important words.
(mankind)
(study of)
The study of human development, culture, and society.
(to love)
(mankind)
The opposite of a misanthrope. One who loves mankind, shown by donating to charity.
(to hate)
(woman)
One who hates women.
The 'Hate' Roots: GYNE
(Greek: "woman")
This root, meaning "woman," is the basis for other medical and social terms.
(woman)
(study of)
A medical doctor who specializes in the study of women's health.
(many)
(women)
The social custom of a man being married to many women at the same time.
(to hate)
(marriage)
One who hates marriage.
The 'Hate' Roots: GAMOS
(Greek: "marriage")
This root gives us the words for different marriage customs.
(one)
(marriage)
The custom of one marriage at a time.
(two)
(marriage)
The illegal act of having two marriages at the same time.
(many)
(marriages)
The custom of many marriages. (This is a general term).
(many)
(male)
The social custom of a woman being married to many men at the same time.
(to hate)
(male)
AI-Powered Extra: The opposite of `Misogyny`.
This is the hatred of men.
Polygamy vs. Polygyny vs. Polyandry
It's easy to get these confused!
- Polygamy (`many marriages`): The general term.
- Polygyny (`many women`): One man with multiple wives.
- Polyandry (`many men`): One woman with multiple husbands.
Opposites: Love vs. Hate
We know `MISEIN` (to hate) and `PHILEIN` (to love).
- A Misanthrope (hates mankind)
...is the opposite of a Philanthropist (loves mankind). - A Misogynist (hates women)
...is the opposite of a Philogynist (loves women). - A Misandrist (hates men)
...is the opposite of a Philandrist (loves men).
The Fifth Root: ASKETES
(Greek: "monk" or "hermit")
This root describes a personality based on self-denial and discipline.
Believes in self-denial and austerity, avoiding worldly pleasures in pursuit of spiritual goals.
Lives a simple, disciplined life.
The noun for the philosophy or practice of an ascetic.
"The monks practiced asceticism."
Sessions 1-3 Review
You have now mapped 10 core personalities and dozens of related words from 5 key roots:
- EGO (self): Egoist, Egotist, Egocentric, Egomaniac
- ALTER (other): Altruist, Alternate, Altercation, Alter Ego
- VERTO (to turn): Introvert, Extrovert, Ambivert, Versatile, Adversity, Avert, Convert, Revert...
- MISEIN (to hate): Misanthrope, Misogynist, Misogamist
- ASKETES (monk): Ascetic, Asceticism
Quiz Time: Part 1
Let's test your understanding with questions from the book.
Based on what you've learned, are these statements True or False?
Quiz 1: True or False (1-10)
1. An 'extrovert' is someone who is introspective and solitary.
2. An 'altruist' finds happiness in helping others.
3. 'Every individual' has the same personality traits.
4. An 'egoist' is motivated by self-interest.
5. An 'ambivert' has traits of both an introvert and extrovert.
6. A 'misogamist' is someone who hates mankind.
7. 'Polygyny' is the custom of a man having many wives.
8. An 'ascetic' is a person who lives a life of luxury.
9. 'Altercation' is another word for a verbal dispute.
10. 'Ambidextrous' means you are focused on yourself.
Quiz 1: True or False (11-20)
11. An 'egotist' and an 'egoist' are the same thing.
12. 'Vertigo' is a feeling of dizziness.
13. A 'philanthropist' hates mankind.
14. 'Anthropology' is the study of human development.
15. 'Polyandry' is the custom of having many wives.
16. 'Bigamy' is the illegal act of having two spouses.
17. To 'avert' a disaster means to change it.
18. 'Inadvertent' means unintentional.
19. 'Misandry' is the hatred of men.
20. 'Egocentric' and 'Egomaniac' mean the same thing.
Quiz 1: True or False (21-30)
21. A 'gynecologist' is a specialist in women's health.
22. An 'alter ego' can mean a trusted friend.
23. 'Monogamy' is the custom of having many spouses.
24. To 'revert' means to turn back to a former state.
25. 'Adversity' is another word for a party.
26. A 'misanthrope' is the opposite of a 'philanthropist'.
27. 'Altruistic' is the adjective form of 'altruism'.
28. A 'misogynist' hates marriage.
29. An 'egomaniac' has a morbid obsession with themselves.
30. 'Asceticism' is the study of mankind.
Quiz Time: Part 2
Excellent! Now for Part 2: Multiple Choice.
Match the word to its correct definition.
Quiz 2: Multiple Choice (1-10)
1. Motivated by self-interest ("What's in it for me?")
2. Talks excessively about their accomplishments
3. Focused on the welfare of others
4. Turns thoughts inward
5. Turns thoughts outward; the life of the party
6. A balance of both introverted and extroverted traits
7. Hates humanity
8. Hates women
9. Hates marriage
10. Lives a life of self-denial and austerity
Quiz 2: Multiple Choice (11-20)
11. Considers themself the center of the universe
12. Morbidly obsessed with one's own self
13. A verbal dispute or "fight" with the "other" person
14. Your "other self" or trusted friend
15. Able to use both hands with equal skill
16. Able to "turn" to many different tasks or skills
17. Misfortune; when events "turn against" you
18. Unintentional; "not turning one's mind to" it
19. To "turn from beneath"; to overthrow
20. Dizziness; a "turning" sensation
Quiz 2: Multiple Choice (21-30)
21. The study of human development
22. One who "loves mankind"
23. A specialist in women's health
24. Custom of one man having many wives
25. Custom of one woman having many husbands
26. Custom of one marriage at a time
27. Illegal act of having two spouses
28. General term for having many spouses
29. Hatred of men
30. Philosophy of self-denial
Quiz Time: Part 3
Final test! This time, match the ROOT to its meaning.
This is the key to unlocking thousands of words.
Quiz 3: Match the Root (1-5)
1. EGO
2. ALTER
3. VERTO
4. MISEIN
5. ASKETES
Quiz 3: Match the Root (6-10)
6. ANTHROPOS
7. GYNE
8. GAMOS
9. ANDROS
10. PHILEIN
Quiz Results
You have completed all quizzes for Sessions 1-3.
Cumulative Score:
Remember, the goal is mastery. Feel free to review the slides and try again!
Congratulations!
You have completed the power presentation for Sessions 1-3.
Next Up: Sessions 4-6
How to Talk About Doctors