delusions of grandeur

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Word: Delusions of Grandeur

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: "Delusions of grandeur" refers to a false belief where someone thinks they are much more important, powerful, or talented than they really are. This often happens in situations where a person feels insecure, and they create an exaggerated sense of self-importance.

Explanation for New Learners:

• Delusions: This means believing something that is not true. For example, if someone thinks they are famous when they are not, that is a delusion.
• Grandeur: This means greatness or being grand. It can refer to impressive size, beauty, or importance.

Example:

• "The man had delusions of grandeur; he thought he was going to be the next president, even though he had never held a political office."

Advanced Usage:

• Psychological Context: In psychology, "delusions of grandeur" can be a symptom of certain mental health conditions, like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, where a person may have an inflated sense of self-worth.

Word Variants:

• There are no direct variants of the phrase, but related terms include:
  • Grandiosity: This refers to the quality of being grand or impressive, often used in psychological contexts.

Different Meanings:

• In a broader sense, it can describe anyone who shows excessive pride or arrogance, even if they are not experiencing a mental health issue.

Synonyms:

• Narcissism: A tendency to admire oneself excessively.
• Egotism: The practice of talking about oneself excessively because of an undue sense of self-importance.
• Hubris: Excessive pride or self-confidence, often leading to downfall.

Related Idioms or Phrasal Verbs:

• "Living in a dream world": This means someone is not aware of reality and believes in an idealized version of their life.
• "On a power trip": This means someone is enjoying a feeling of power and acting as if they are superior to others.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "delusions of grandeur" when talking about someone who overestimates their own importance or abilities. It is often used in a critical or humorous context.

Academic

Noun

1. a delusion (common in paranoia) that you are much greater and more powerful and influential than you really are