Conceit: meaning, definitions and examples

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conceit

 

[ kənˈsiːt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in personal qualities

Excessive pride in oneself; an exaggerated sense of self-importance.

Synonyms

arrogance, ego, vanity.

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Word Description / Examples
conceit

Used to describe an exaggerated sense of self-importance or cleverness, often with a creative flair. It's more about thinking highly of one's abilities or ideas.

  • His conceit was evident in every project he undertook, always thinking he had the best solutions.
  • The artist's conceit was clear in her belief that no other works could compare to her own.
arrogance

Has a strongly negative connotation and is used to describe someone who acts superior to others, often in a rude or dismissive way.

  • His arrogance made it difficult for others to work with him.
  • She lost many friends due to her arrogance and lack of empathy.
vanity

Has a negative connotation and is focused on an excessive concern with physical appearance or achievements.

  • Her vanity led her to spend countless hours in front of the mirror.
  • He was driven by vanity, always seeking praise for his accomplishments.
ego

Refers to the sense of self-esteem or self-importance. It can be neutral or negative, depending on how it affects one's behavior.

  • His ego was hurt when he didn't get the promotion he expected.
  • A healthy ego is necessary to take pride in one's work.

Examples of usage

  • He was full of conceit and thought he was better than everyone else.
  • Her conceit led to her downfall in the end.
Context #2 | Noun

in literary works

A fanciful expression in writing or speech; an elaborate metaphor.

Synonyms

figure of speech, metaphor, symbolism.

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Word Description / Examples
conceit

This word can also mean excessive pride in oneself, typically used in a negative context.

  • His conceit made it difficult for him to work well with others
metaphor

Used to compare two things by saying one is the other, suggesting they share common characteristics.

  • "Time is a thief" is a metaphor indicating that time, like a thief, stealthily takes away life’s moments
figure of speech

Used to describe any expression that employs language in a non-literal way for rhetorical or vivid effect.

  • "Break a leg" is a common figure of speech meaning good luck
symbolism

Involves using symbols to signify ideas and qualities by giving them meanings different from their literal sense.

  • In literature, a rose might be used to express love or beauty, depending on the context

Examples of usage

  • The poem was full of conceits and allegories.
  • She used conceits to create vivid imagery in her novel.

Translations

Translations of the word "conceit" in other languages:

🇵🇹 presunção

🇮🇳 अभिमान

🇩🇪 Einbildung

🇮🇩 kesombongan

🇺🇦 пихатість

🇵🇱 zarozumiałość

🇯🇵 うぬぼれ

🇫🇷 prétention

🇪🇸 presunción

🇹🇷 kibir

🇰🇷 자만

🇸🇦 غرور

🇨🇿 domýšlivost

🇸🇰 domýšľavosť

🇨🇳 自负

🇸🇮 domišljavost

🇮🇸 hroki

🇰🇿 менмендік

🇬🇪 ამპარტავნება

🇦🇿 təkəbbür

🇲🇽 presunción

Etymology

The word 'conceit' originated in the late Middle English period, derived from the Old French word 'conceite' meaning 'concept' or 'idea'. It has evolved over time to encompass both negative and positive connotations, depending on the context in which it is used.

See also: conceited.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,576, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.