imago

Definitions

1. The final developmental stage of an insect after undergoing metamorphosis.
2. An idealised concept of a loved one, formed in childhood and retained unconsciously into adult life, the basis for the psychological formation of personality archetypes.

Equivalents

Examples

“‘But still,’ he said to himself, drawing the metamorphoses of a red admiral, egg, caterpillar, chrysalis and imago on his pad, ‘what shall I say⟳ to him when we meet⟳?’”

CEFR level