Definition

1. Noun:
   • An inflated feeling of pride in your superiority to others: A state of mind characterized by an excessively high opinion of oneself, often accompanied by a belief that one is more important or capable than others.
   • An exaggerated opinion of your own importance: The quality of being excessively self-centered and regarding oneself as the central focus of importance.

Usage

• General Use: "Egotism" is used to describe a personality trait or a specific instance of behavior where a person shows an excessive sense of self-importance. It is a negative quality.
• Context: It is commonly used in psychological, social, and everyday contexts to critique someone's arrogance or self-centeredness.

Examples

• Noun:
  • His constant bragging about his achievements revealed a profound egotism.
  • The manager's egotism made it difficult for her to listen to her team's suggestions.
  • Political egotism can blind leaders to the needs of the people they serve.

Advanced Usage

• Psychological Term: In psychology, egotism can be discussed as a trait related to narcissism, where the individual has an excessive need for admiration and a lack of empathy for others.
  • The study focused on the link between childhood experiences and adult egotism.
• Literary & Critical Analysis: Used to analyze characters or public figures.
  • The critic's review pointed out the protagonist's tragic flaw: his blinding egotism.

Variants and Related Words

• Egotist (n): A person who is excessively self-centered or arrogant.
  • He was known as an egotist who loved the sound of his own voice.
• Egotistic (adj): Characterized by egotism; self-centered.
  • Her egotistic remarks alienated her colleagues.
• Egotistical (adj): Synonym of "egotistic."
  • It was an egotistical decision made without consulting anyone else.

Synonyms

• Arrogance: An attitude of superiority manifested in an overbearing manner.
• Conceit: Excessive pride in oneself.
• Narcissism: Excessive interest in or admiration of oneself and one's physical appearance (a more clinical term).
• Self-importance: An exaggerated sense of one's own value or importance.

Antonyms

• Humility: A modest or low view of one's own importance.
• Modesty: The quality of being unassuming in the estimation of one's abilities.

Idioms and Phrases

• Blinded by egotism: So self-absorbed that one cannot see the truth or other perspectives.
  • He was blinded by egotism and failed to see the project was doomed.
• Sheer egotism: Used to emphasize the complete and unadulterated nature of someone's self-importance.
  • The decision was driven by sheer egotism, not logic.

Noun

1. an inflated feeling of pride in your superiority to others
2. an exaggerated opinion of your own importance