Egotistic: meaning, definitions and examples

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egotistic

 

[ˌiːɡəʊˈtɪstɪk ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

personality trait

Characterized by an exaggerated sense of self-importance and a lack of consideration for others.

Synonyms

egotistical, narcissistic, self-absorbed, self-centered, self-important.

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Word Description / Examples
egotistic

When talking about someone who has an inflated sense of self-worth and shows excessive pride in their own achievements.

  • His egotistic behavior made it difficult for anyone to work with him.
  • She has an egotistic attitude, always talking about her own achievements.
self-centered

When describing someone who is mainly focused on themselves and often neglects the needs and feelings of others.

  • Her self-centered attitude means she rarely helps out her friends.
  • It's hard to deal with someone so self-centered in a team environment.
narcissistic

Used in more serious contexts, especially when describing someone with a personality disorder characterized by a need for admiration and a lack of empathy.

  • His narcissistic tendencies made it hard for him to maintain long-term relationships.
  • The therapist recognized her narcissistic behavior during their sessions.
egotistical

Similar to 'egotistic,' but often suggests a more pronounced and noticeable self-centeredness.

  • His egotistical nature was evident when he refused to listen to anyone else's ideas.
  • Her egotistical comments about her talents made everyone roll their eyes.
self-absorbed

When describing someone who is overly preoccupied with their own thoughts, feelings, and interests, often to the exclusion of others.

  • He's so self-absorbed that he didn't even notice that I was upset.
  • Her self-absorbed behavior made her seem uninterested in anyone else's problems.
self-important

When describing someone who has a high opinion of their own importance, often in a way that others find pompous or arrogant.

  • He walked into the room with a self-important air, assuming everyone would stop and listen.
  • Her self-important speeches often bored the audience.

Examples of usage

  • He was so egotistic that he never bothered to ask about anyone else's day.
  • Her egotistic behavior made it difficult for others to work with her.
  • The egotistic actor demanded special treatment on set.
  • The egotistic politician only cared about his own agenda.
  • The egotistic boss took credit for the team's hard work.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • Derived from the Greek word 'egō' meaning 'I' or 'self', emphasizing the focus on oneself.
  • The term began to be commonly used in English in the late 19th century, reflecting societal changes.
  • It is closely related to 'egoism', which refers to the idea that one's self-interest is the foundation of morality.

Psychology

  • Egotism can sometimes be linked to higher self-esteem, but it often leads to negative social outcomes.
  • Studies show that egotistic behavior may mask underlying insecurities and low self-worth.
  • People exhibiting egotistic traits may struggle with empathy, making it hard for them to form deep connections.

Pop Culture

  • Egotistic characters often appear in movies and TV shows, serving as antagonists or comic relief, like the spoiled rich kids.
  • Social media has amplified egotistic behavior, with influencers frequently highlighting their achievements and lifestyle.
  • Songs and books often critique egotistic themes, pointing to the importance of humility and community.

Historical Context

  • Many leaders in history have been described as egotistic, which in some cases contributed to their downfall, such as Napoleon Bonaparte.
  • Philosophers like Nietzsche discussed egotism within the context of individualism and societal progress.
  • The rise of individualistic cultures in the West during the 20th century saw an increase in egotistic behaviors.

Literature

  • Literary characters like Jay Gatsby are often portrayed as egotistic, showcasing their flaws and ultimately leading to tragedy.
  • Egotism serves as a thematic element in many works, contrasting self-importance with the value of community and connection.
  • Authors frequently use egotistic traits to develop characters, enriching narratives by exploring their motivations and impact on others.

Translations

Translations of the word "egotistic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 egotista

🇮🇳 आत्मकेंद्रित

🇩🇪 egoistisch

🇮🇩 egois

🇺🇦 егоїстичний

🇵🇱 egoistyczny

🇯🇵 自己中心的

🇫🇷 égocentrique

🇪🇸 egoísta

🇹🇷 egoist

🇰🇷 자기중심적인

🇸🇦 أناني

🇨🇿 egoistický

🇸🇰 egoistický

🇨🇳 自私的

🇸🇮 egoističen

🇮🇸 sjálfhverfur

🇰🇿 эгоист

🇬🇪 ეგოისტური

🇦🇿 eqoist

🇲🇽 egoísta