self-flattery
Definition
- Noun:
- Praise of oneself: "self-flattery" refers to the act of praising or complimenting oneself, often excessively or without genuine justification.
Usage Examples
- (He frequently praised himself, which irritated others.)
- (She complimented herself to feel better about herself.)
Advanced Usage
"self-flattery" as a form of delusion: When someone believes their own exaggerated praise, it can lead to self-deception.
- His self-flattery was so extreme that he lost touch with reality. (His excessive self-praise caused him to believe false things about himself.)
"self-flattery" in social contexts: Often used to describe someone who speaks highly of themselves to gain admiration or influence.
- The politician's self-flattery was seen as a tactic to win votes. (The politician praised himself excessively to attract support.)
Variants and Related Words
Self-flattering (adj): characterized by or given to self-flattery.
- His self-flattering remarks were met with skepticism. (His praising comments about himself were doubted by others.)
Self-praise (n): a synonym for self-flattery, meaning praise directed at oneself.
- Self-praise is often considered immodest. (Praising oneself is usually seen as lacking humility.)
Synonyms
- Self-praise: the act of praising oneself.
- Self-congratulation: expressing pride in one's own achievements.
- Boasting: speaking with excessive pride about oneself.
Related Idioms
To blow one's own trumpet: to boast or praise oneself.
- He never misses a chance to blow his own trumpet. (He always finds opportunities to boast about himself.)
To sing one's own praises: to talk about oneself in a flattering way.
- She spent the evening singing her own praises. (She talked extensively about her own accomplishments.)
Phrasal Verbs
- To flatter oneself: to believe something good about oneself, often without evidence.
- He flatters himself that he is the best candidate. (He believes he is the best candidate, though it may not be true.)