Egocentrically Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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egocentrically

[หŒiห.ษกoสŠหˆsen.trษช.kษ™l.i ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

in a self-centered manner

In a manner that is excessively concerned with oneself and one's own needs, often at the expense of others. It is characterized by a lack of empathy and consideration for others.

Synonyms

narcissistically, self-centeredly, selfishly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
egocentrically

Used when describing behavior that is centered around oneself, without considering others' perspectives or feelings.

  • He egocentrically assumed everyone would be available for the meeting at such short notice
selfishly

Used when someone prioritizes their own needs over others', often to their detriment. This word can have a slightly negative connotation.

  • They selfishly took the last slice of pizza, ignoring that others hadn't had any
self-centeredly

Used when someone is focused mainly on their own needs and desires, often ignoring others. Less intense than 'narcissistically' but still implies a strong self-focus.

  • She self-centeredly dominated the conversation, not giving anyone else a chance to speak
narcissistically

Used for describing behavior driven by an excessive interest in oneself, often linked to narcissistic personality traits. This has a more negative connotation than other words in this group.

  • He narcissistically admired his reflection in every mirror he passed

Examples of usage

  • He spoke egocentrically, only thinking about how the situation affected him.
  • She acted egocentrically, refusing to consider anyone else's feelings.
  • The politician egocentrically focused on promoting himself rather than addressing the needs of the community.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Egocentrism is a common trait in children, where they believe everyone sees the world as they do until they grow more empathetic.
  • In adults, egocentrism can sometimes impact relationships, as it may lead to misunderstandings and conflicts.
  • Cognitive dissonance theory suggests that people who are egocentric will often ignore information that contradicts their self-focused beliefs.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers like Renรฉ Descartes often discussed the role of self-perception in understanding existence, suggesting that self-awareness can lead to deeper insights about the world.
  • Some philosophical traditions argue that extreme egocentrism can hinder personal growth and understanding of others, suggesting a balance is necessary for a complete human experience.

Social Media

  • In the age of social media, egocentric behavior is often amplified, as people curate their online presence primarily to showcase their own lives.
  • Studies demonstrate a correlation between high engagement on self-focused content and reduced empathy in real-world interactions.

Literature

  • Characters in classic literature, such as Jay Gatsby from 'The Great Gatsby', often exhibit egocentric traits, leading to a tragic misinterpretation of relationships.
  • Contemporary authors often explore the theme of egocentrism to highlight personal struggles and the conflicts that arise from self-absorption.

Education

  • Teachers are encouraged to help students recognize and counter egocentric thinking to foster better collaboration and empathy among peers.
  • In developmental psychology, fostering perspective-taking skills can help reduce egocentric attitudes in children and promote social understanding.

Origin of 'egocentrically'

The word 'egocentrically' is derived from the term 'egocentric,' which originated in the late 19th century. The term combines the prefix 'ego-' meaning 'self' and 'centric' meaning 'centered.' The concept of egocentrism has roots in psychology, referring to a self-centered perspective where individuals have difficulty understanding the viewpoints of others. Egocentric behavior is often associated with narcissism and selfishness.


See also: ego, egocentric, egocentrism, egoism, egotism, egotist, egotistic, egotistical, egotistically.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,972, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.