Definition

1. Noun:
   • A beautiful youth in Greek mythology: In Greek mythology, a handsome young man who fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water and was transformed into the flower that bears his name.
   • A type of flowering plant: A bulbous plant of the genus Narcissus, typically having narrow, grass-like leaves and showy, often fragrant flowers with a central trumpet-shaped corona surrounded by petals. Common types include daffodils and jonquils.

Examples

• Noun (Mythology):

  • The myth of Narcissus is a classic tale about the dangers of vanity and self-obsession.
  • In the story, Narcissus pined away for his own reflection.

• Noun (Plant):

  • The narcissus bulbs bloomed into beautiful white flowers in the spring garden.
  • She picked a bouquet of yellow narcissi for the table.

Advanced Usage

• "Narcissus complex": A psychological term, less common than "narcissism," referring to excessive self-love or self-centeredness, derived from the myth.

  • The character's downfall was attributed to a profound Narcissus complex.

• Literary/Artistic Symbol: The figure of Narcissus is often used symbolically in literature and art to represent self-love, introspection, or the peril of unattainable desire.

  • The poet used the image of Narcissus gazing at the water as a metaphor for artistic self-absorption.

Variants and Related Words

• Narcissi (n): The plural form of narcissus, often used for the flowers.

  • The field was covered in narcissi.

• Narcissistic (adj): Having an excessive interest in or admiration of oneself. Derived from the myth but now a standard psychological term.

  • His narcissistic behavior made it difficult to work with him.

• Narcissism (n): The personality trait of extreme selfishness and vanity, with a grandiose view of one's own talents.

  • The article discussed the rise of narcissism in modern culture.

Synonyms

• Daffodil (n): A common name for many plants in the genus , especially those with a large trumpet.
• Jonquil (n): A specific type of narcissus with clustered, fragrant flowers.
• Egotist (n): A person who is excessively conceited or self-absorbed. (Synonym in the metaphorical sense derived from the myth).

Idioms and Phrases

• Like Narcissus: Used to describe someone who is excessively vain or self-admiring.
  • He stared at his photo like Narcissus, utterly captivated by his own image.

Noun

1. (Greek mythology) a beautiful young man who fell in love with his own reflection
2. bulbous plant having erect linear leaves and showy yellow or white flowers either solitary or in clusters