Crossword Genius

Self-esteem, say, zero (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ego

'self-esteem' is the definition.
(ego can mean one's sense of self)

'say zero' is the wordplay.
'say' becomes 'eg' (both can mean for example).
'zero' becomes 'O' (O resembles 0).
'eg'+'o'='EGO'

(Other definitions for ego that I've seen before include "Sense of identity" , "Morale" , "Conceit - the Latin "I"" , "One's self-image" , "Conscious mind" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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