Conceited: meaning, definitions and examples

🙄

Add to dictionary

conceited

[kənˈsiːtɪd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

self-importance

Having an excessively favorable opinion of one's abilities, appearance, or worth.

Synonyms

arrogant, egotistical, self-centered, vain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
conceited	Describes someone who has an excessively high opinion of their own abilities or appearance, often leading to boasting. Typically negative. She was so conceited, always talking about how talented she was
vain	Applies to someone who is excessively concerned about their physical appearance or achievements, often superficial. Negative connotation. He is so vain that he spends hours in front of the mirror
egotistical	Refers to someone who is preoccupied with themselves and their own importance, often at the expense of others. Negative connotation. He was so egotistical that he couldn't see anyone else's point of view
arrogant	Used for someone who believes they are superior to others, often showing disdain or lack of respect towards them. Negative connotation. His arrogant attitude made him unpopular among his colleagues
self-centered	Describes someone who is overly focused on themselves, their own needs, and desires, often neglecting others. Negative connotation. She is too self-centered to care about her friends' problems

Examples of usage

He was so conceited that he never listened to anyone else's opinion.
She was too conceited to admit when she was wrong.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

behavior

Characterized by a tendency to boast about one's achievements or qualities.

Synonyms

cocky, proud, smug, snobbish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
conceited	This word is often used to describe someone who has an excessively high opinion of themselves, usually with a negative connotation. He was so conceited that he thought he was better than everyone else. Her conceited attitude made her few friends.
proud	This word can have both positive and negative connotations. It can describe someone who has a healthy self-respect or someone who is arrogant. She felt proud of her accomplishments. His proud demeanor sometimes came off as arrogance.
snobbish	This word describes someone who feels disdain or contempt for those they consider inferior, typically coming across as pretentious. Her snobbish behavior alienated her from her colleagues. He spoke in a snobbish tone, looking down on anyone who disagreed with him.
smug	Describes someone who is self-satisfied in a way that irritates others, conveying a negative tone. She gave a smug smile when she found out she'd scored the highest. His smug attitude made him unpopular among his peers.
cocky	A term for someone who is overly confident and often unreasonably so, usually used in a negative manner. The new player was very talented but a bit too cocky for the coach's liking. Don't be so cocky; it's not attractive.

Examples of usage

His conceited attitude alienated his colleagues.
Her conceited behavior made it difficult for others to work with her.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

Originating from the Latin word 'concipere', meaning 'to hold together', the term evolved to represent holding one's self in high regard.
The term was first used in English in the 17th century, originally describing people who had a poor opinion of others compared to themselves.
In literature, 'conceited' has often been used to describe characters who overlook their flaws, adding humor or critique to societal norms.

Psychology

Research shows that conceit can often mask underlying insecurities, as some people overcompensate for their self-doubt.
Studies indicate that individuals who exhibit high levels of conceit may struggle with maintaining healthy relationships due to their self-centered nature.
The Dunning-Kruger effect teaches that those with less knowledge on a subject often have inflated self-views, contributing to conceit.

Pop Culture

Conceited characters frequently appear in movies and TV shows, often portrayed as humorous villains or misguided protagonists.
Songs like 'You're So Vain' by Carly Simon highlight conceitedness in relationships, critiquing self-absorption in romantic contexts.
Reality television has brought many conceited individuals to the forefront, sparking discussions on vanity and authenticity in contemporary society.

Literature

Classic novels often feature conceited characters, such as Mr. Darcy in Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice', showcasing their growth and eventual humility.
Shakespeare used conceited language in characters like Malvolio in 'Twelfth Night', emphasizing folly in excessive self-love.
The portrayal of conceit in literature often serves as a critique of societal values, reflecting themes of vanity, stature, and personal growth.

Social Behavior

Conceited behavior can affect workplace dynamics, as overly self-assured individuals may create tension or diminish team collaboration.
In social settings, conceit often leads to isolation, as peers may find it challenging to connect with someone who constantly seeks attention.
Cultural norms influence perceptions of conceit, where in some societies, self-promotion is celebrated, while in others it is frowned upon.

Translations

Translations of the word "conceited" in other languages:

🇵🇹 presunçoso

🇮🇳 अहंकारी

🇩🇪 eingebildet

🇮🇩 sombong

🇺🇦 самовдоволений

🇵🇱 zarozumiały

🇯🇵 うぬぼれた

🇫🇷 vaniteux

🇪🇸 presumido

🇹🇷 kibirli

🇰🇷 자만한

🇸🇦 مغرور

🇨🇿 domýšlivý

🇸🇰 namyslený

🇨🇳 自负的

🇸🇮 domišljav

🇮🇸 hrokafullur

🇰🇿 менмен

🇬🇪 თავმოყვარე

🇦🇿 özüaşırım

🇲🇽 presumido

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,897, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
20894 persevered
20895 indignity
20896 grievously
20897 conceited
20898 sock
20899 deflated
20900 stuttering
...