self-deception
/'selfdi'sepʃn/ Cách viết khác : (self-deceit) /'selfdi'si:t/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- The act or process of deceiving oneself: "Self-deception" refers to the state of believing something that is not true, or ignoring the truth, because it is more comforting or favorable to oneself.
- A false belief held despite evidence to the contrary: It is a misconception or illusion that one maintains, often unconsciously, to protect one's self-image, avoid discomfort, or justify one's actions.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- His belief that he would get the promotion without any extra effort was pure self-deception.
- She was under no self-deception about her chances of winning; she knew she needed to practice more.
- The politician's claim of universal support was an obvious case of self-deception.
Advanced Usage
"To be guilty of self-deception": To be culpable or responsible for deceiving oneself.
- He was guilty of self-deception when he convinced himself the problem would just go away.
"A web/cycle of self-deception": A complex or repeating pattern of deceiving oneself.
- Her constant excuses spun a web of self-deception that was hard to break.
Variants and Related Words
Self-deceit (n): A less common synonym for self-deception, with identical meaning.
- His actions were rooted in self-deceit.
Self-delusion (n): Very similar to self-deception, emphasizing the illusory or fantastical nature of the false belief.
- Living in a state of self-delusion about his artistic talent.
Synonyms
- Delusion: A false belief or impression, especially one held persistently despite being contradicted by reality.
- Illusion: A false idea or belief, often one that is pleasing or comforting.
- Denial: Refusal to acknowledge an unacceptable truth or emotion, which is a common mechanism of self-deception.
Related Phrases
- To deceive oneself: The verbal phrase meaning to engage in self-deception.
- You are only deceiving yourself if you think you can pass without studying.
Related Idioms
"To be in denial": To refuse to accept a truth or reality, often a form of self-deception.
- He's in denial about his health problems.
"To turn a blind eye": To pretend not to notice something, often leading to or involving self-deception.
- She turned a blind eye to the company's unethical practices, a form of self-deception to keep her job.
Noun
- a misconception that is favorable to the person who holds it