Narcissist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ช
narcissist
[หnษหrsษชsษชst ]
Definitions
personality disorder
A person who has an excessive interest in or admiration of themselves. They typically have an inflated sense of their own importance and a deep need for admiration. In relationships, they often lack empathy and exploit others for their own gain.
Synonyms
egotist, self-absorbed, self-centered.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| narcissist |
Describes someone excessively interested in their own appearance, achievements, and needs, often at the expense of others. It carries a strong negative connotation.
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| egotist |
Refers to a person who believes they are better or more important than others. It is often used to describe someone who talks about themselves excessively. Though generally negative, it isn't as severe as 'narcissist'.
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| self-absorbed |
Used for someone who is preoccupied with their own thoughts, feelings, or interests. It indicates a lack of awareness or concern for others but doesn't always carry a harsh negative judgment.
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| self-centered |
Describes a person who prioritizes their own needs and desires over those of others, often without consideration for others' feelings. It is generally negative but can be used in less harsh everyday situations.
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Examples of usage
- A narcissist will often manipulate others to get what they want.
- His narcissism made it difficult for him to form meaningful relationships.
general
A person who is overly self-involved and selfish, often disregarding the feelings and needs of others. They seek constant validation and attention, and may be prone to grandiosity and arrogance.
Synonyms
egotist, self-centered, self-obsessed.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| narcissist |
This term is often used in a psychological or clinical setting to describe someone with Narcissistic Personality Disorder. It can also be used more casually to describe someone who has an excessive interest in themselves and their appearance.
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| egotist |
This word describes someone who is excessively conceited or absorbed in themselves, but it is often used in a less clinical and more everyday context. It has a slightly negative connotation.
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| self-centered |
This term is commonly used to describe someone who is preoccupied with their own needs and is indifferent to the needs of others. It is a more everyday term and has a negative implication.
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| self-obsessed |
Used to describe someone who is excessively preoccupied with themselves, their own thoughts and feelings. It has a strong negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- She was such a narcissist that she couldn't understand anyone else's point of view.
- The narcissist couldn't handle criticism and would become defensive.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term comes from 'Narcissus,' a character in Greek mythology who fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water.
- In the early 20th century, Sigmund Freud described narcissism as a personality trait that could also be seen in dreams.
- The word became more widely used in psychology in the 1960s to describe certain personality disorders.
Psychology
- People with narcissistic personality traits often display a lack of empathy and an exaggerated sense of self-importance.
- Narcissism is sometimes measured using the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI), which assesses traits like arrogance and entitlement.
- Narcissistic behavior can manifest in various ways, including boasting, seeking excessive attention, and belittling others.
Pop Culture
- Many popular movies and TV shows feature characters who display narcissistic traits, highlighting their self-obsession, such as in 'The Devil Wears Prada.'
- Social media platforms have been critiqued for encouraging narcissistic tendencies by promoting likes and followers as measures of self-worth.
- Songs like 'You're So Vain' by Carly Simon explore themes of narcissism in relationships and self-absorption.
Literature
- In literature, narcissism often symbolizes themes of self-delusion and the consequences of excessive pride, seen in works like 'Hamlet.'
- Famous characters, such as Jay Gatsby from 'The Great Gatsby,' can be interpreted as having narcissistic traits through their obsessive pursuits of status and attention.
- The concept of narcissism has also been explored in various modern novels, often as a critique of societyโs obsession with self-image.
Origin of 'narcissist'
The term 'narcissist' comes from Greek mythology, where Narcissus was a hunter known for his beauty. He was proud and disdained those who loved him. One day, he saw his own reflection in a pool of water and fell in love with it. Unable to leave the beauty of his reflection, he eventually died. The concept of narcissism has evolved to refer to excessive self-admiration and selfishness.