Egotistical Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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egotistical

[หŒiหษกษ™หˆtษชstษชk(ษ™)l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

personality trait

Characterized by an exaggerated sense of self-importance and superiority over others.

Synonyms

conceited, narcissistic, self-centered.

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Word Description / Examples
egotistical

Describes a person who is excessively self-involved or self-important. It's often used to highlight someone who boasts about their achievements or abilities.

  • John's egotistical nature made it hard for anyone to enjoy his company
  • He always managed to turn every discussion back to his accomplishments
conceited

Suggests someone who has an inflated opinion of themselves and thinks they are superior to others. This word implies a sense of arrogance.

  • She was so conceited that she couldn't believe anyone would choose another designer over her
  • Her conceited remarks during the meeting put everyone off
self-centered

Indicates a person who is primarily concerned with their own needs and wants, often to the detriment of others. This term is less negative than others but still not fully positive.

  • She was so self-centered that she didn't notice her friend was upset
  • His self-centered attitude made team projects challenging
narcissistic

Describes someone who has an excessive interest in or admiration of themselves, to a point where it becomes a personality disorder. It often implies a lack of empathy towards others.

  • His narcissistic tendencies made it difficult for him to maintain relationships
  • The narcissistic behavior of constantly checking her appearance was exhausting for her friends

Examples of usage

  • He always talks about himself and his achievements, showing his egotistical nature.
  • She refused to listen to anyone else's opinions, displaying her egotistical behavior.
  • His egotistical attitude often alienated those around him.
Context #2 | Adjective

behavior

Behaving in a self-centered or selfish manner, often disregarding the feelings or needs of others.

Synonyms

egotistic, self-absorbed, selfish.

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Word Description / Examples
egotistical

Used to describe someone who thinks they are better or more important than others.

  • His egotistical behavior made it hard for his team to work with him.
  • She has an egotistical attitude and always seeks attention.
selfish

Describes someone who is primarily concerned with their own advantage, often at the expense of others. This term has a negative connotation.

  • Taking the last piece of cake without asking if anyone else wants it is very selfish.
  • He made a selfish decision that negatively affected the whole team.
egotistic

Similar to egotistical, it describes someone who is self-centered and only interested in themselves.

  • John's egotistic manner turned many people off at the party.
  • Being egotistic can make it difficult to maintain lasting friendships.
self-absorbed

Used to describe someone who is excessively preoccupied with their own feelings and thoughts.

  • She was so self-absorbed that she didn't notice her friend was upset.
  • Mark's self-absorbed nature meant he rarely asked others how they were doing.

Examples of usage

  • Her egotistical actions caused conflicts within the team.
  • The boss's egotistical decisions led to a decrease in employee morale.
  • The politician's egotistical behavior turned voters away.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Egotistical behavior can stem from low self-esteem; individuals may overcompensate by prioritizing themselves.
  • Psychologists associate egotism with reduced empathy, which can harm personal relationships and social interactions.
  • The concept of 'egotism' has been studied in personality psychology to understand its impact on group dynamics.

Pop Culture

  • Many movie villains exemplify egotistical traits, often putting their desires above others, making them relatable yet unlikable.
  • Social media influencers sometimes display egotistical tendencies by focusing on personal achievements and image.
  • Fictional characters like Jay Gatsby in 'The Great Gatsby' show how ego can lead to isolation and personal tragedy.

Literature

  • Classic literature often highlights egotistical characters as antagonists, illustrating moral lessons about humility.
  • Authors like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Oscar Wilde explored the consequences of excessive self-focus in their works.
  • Egotistical traits in characters can drive plot development, posing challenges for protagonists who must confront or overcome such individuals.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers like Immanuel Kant discussed the dangers of egotism, which can lead to a lack of moral consideration for others.
  • Existentialists argue that self-absorption can hinder authentic connections and self-realization.
  • Debates around egotism often focus on its implications for ethical behavior and communal harmony.

Origin of 'egotistical'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'egotistical' comes from the root word 'ego', which means 'I' in Latin, emphasizing self-importance.
  • It entered the English language in the late 19th century, coinciding with rising interest in psychology and individuality.
  • Related terms include 'egocentric' and 'narcissistic,' which all relate to self-focus but have nuanced meanings.

The word 'egotistical' originated from the combination of 'ego' and the suffix '-istical', which indicates a quality or state. The term first appeared in the early 19th century, derived from the Latin word 'ego' meaning 'I'. It is closely related to the concept of excessive self-regard and self-centeredness.


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

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,136, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.