Grandiosity: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe someone who has an inflated sense of their importance, often in a way that is out of touch with reality.

• His grandiosity made him believe he could solve all the company's problems single-handedly.
• The leader's grandiosity was apparent in his unrealistic plans for the future.

Refers to an overbearing pride and a sense of superiority over others; this term has a negative connotation.

• Her arrogance made it difficult for her to make friends.
• He spoke with such arrogance that no one wanted to work with him.

Describes a disdainful and condescending attitude towards others, suggesting someone feels they are superior.

• Her haughtiness was obvious when she dismissed the waiter's suggestion with a wave of her hand.
• He looked at the newcomers with haughtiness, as if they didn't belong.

Focuses on an exaggerated sense of self-importance and a constant need to talk about oneself.

• Her egotism was clear when she hijacked the meeting to talk about her own successes.
• John's egotism made it hard for others to feel important in his presence.

Describes excessive pride in oneself, often accompanied by a dismissive attitude towards others; this term also has a negative connotation.

• His conceit was evident when he bragged about his achievements without acknowledging his team's efforts.
• The artist's conceit made him think that no other work could ever compare to his own.

Used when describing someone's exaggerated sense of their own greatness or importance, often in a delusional way.

• His grandiosity made him believe he could solve all the world's problems on his own.
• The dictator's grandiosity was evident in his lavish palace and extravagant lifestyle.

Describes someone who has an inflated sense of their own significance and treats others as less important.

• She strutted around the office with an air of self-importance.
• His self-importance was irritating to his colleagues.

Often used to highlight someone's excessive talking or thinking about themselves due to a high opinion of their own worth.

• Her egotism made it difficult for her to listen to others.
• They criticized his speech for its blatant egotism.

Refers to someone's excessive pride in or admiration of their own appearance or achievements, often implying superficiality.

• Her vanity about her looks was evident in the countless selfies she posted.
• He spent hours in front of the mirror due to his vanity.

Typically used to describe someone who is excessively concerned with themselves and their own needs to the exclusion of others.

• His self-centeredness was apparent when he refused to help his friend move.
• She displayed self-centeredness by interrupting every conversation to talk about herself.