selfness

A person's selfness is reflected in their unique artistic style.

Definition

Noun:
- Selfishness: "selfness" refers to the quality of being concerned primarily with one's own interests, often to the exclusion of others.
- Individuality: In rare usage, "selfness" denotes the distinctive character or essence of a person; one's personal identity or unique nature.

Usage Examples

Selfishness:
- Her constant selfness made it difficult for her to maintain friendships. (Her excessive focus on herself caused relationship problems.)
- The politician's selfness was evident in his refusal to share credit. (His selfish attitude was clear.)
Individuality:
- The artist's selfness was reflected in every brushstroke. (Her unique personal style was evident.)
- In meditation, one seeks to understand the true selfness beyond ego. (The core personal identity.)

Advanced Usage

"a sense of selfness": an awareness of one's own distinct identity.
- Traveling helped him develop a stronger sense of selfness. (He became more aware of his individuality.)
"beyond selfness": transcending personal concerns or ego.
- The philosopher argued for a state beyond selfness, where one acts for the greater good. (Moving past selfishness.)

Variants and Related Words

Selfhood (n): the state of having a distinct identity; individuality (more common than "selfness").
- Her selfhood was shaped by years of introspection. (Her personal identity was formed.)
Selfish (adj): lacking consideration for others; concerned chiefly with one's own profit or pleasure.
- His selfish behavior alienated his colleagues. (He acted only for himself.)

Synonyms

Related Idioms

All about oneself: describing someone who is excessively self-centered.
- He's all about himself; his selfness is exhausting. (He only cares about his own needs.)
Look out for number one: to prioritize one's own interests.
- Her motto was always "look out for number one," a clear sign of her selfness. (She prioritized herself.)