Narcissistic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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narcissistic
[nษหrหsษชsษชstษชk ]
Definitions
personality trait
Having an excessive interest in oneself, one's appearance, and one's abilities. It often includes a lack of empathy for others.
Synonyms
conceited, egocentric, self-absorbed, self-centered.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| narcissistic |
When describing a personality that is excessively self-admiring to the extent of being unhealthy and possibly destructive.
|
| self-centered |
When referring to someone who prioritizes their desires and needs above others'. This term carries a slightly negative connotation.
|
| egocentric |
When discussing someone who is focused on themselves and their own needs without considering others. This term is often used in both psychological and everyday contexts.
|
| self-absorbed |
When describing a person who is preoccupied with their own feelings, interests, or situations, often at the expense of considering others.
|
| conceited |
When referring to someone who has an excessively high opinion of their own abilities or looks. Itโs often used in a somewhat mocking or critical sense.
|
Examples of usage
- He is so narcissistic that he can't stop talking about himself.
- She displayed narcissistic behavior by constantly checking herself out in the mirror.
- The narcissistic boss only cared about his own success, ignoring the needs of his employees.
psychology
Relating to narcissism, a personality disorder characterized by a grandiose sense of self-importance, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy.
Synonyms
egotistical, self-loving, self-obsessed, vain.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| narcissistic |
Used to describe someone who has an excessive interest in or admiration of themselves. This term is often used in a psychological context to describe certain personality traits.
|
| egotistical |
Used to describe someone who has an exaggerated sense of their own importance. This word often conveys a negative connotation.
|
| self-obsessed |
Used to describe someone who is excessively focused on themselves, often to the point of neglecting others. This term is generally negative.
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| self-loving |
A positive way to describe someone who loves and takes good care of themselves. This term has a more gentle and self-care oriented connotation.
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| vain |
Used to describe someone who is overly concerned with their appearance or achievements. This term often has a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The therapist diagnosed him with narcissistic personality disorder.
- People with narcissistic tendencies often struggle in forming genuine relationships.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term comes from the Greek myth of Narcissus, a young man who fell in love with his own reflection.
- Narcissism was first formally introduced in psychology in the early 20th century by Sigmund Freud, who connected it to self-love and ego.
- In the myth, Narcissus ultimately suffered for his self-obsession, as he turned into a flower, highlighting the dangers of excessive self-love.
Psychology
- People with narcissistic traits may struggle with empathy and often seek admiration from others.
- Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a recognized condition that can affect relationships and personal well-being.
- Certain studies suggest that societal values around beauty and success may contribute to rising narcissistic traits in younger generations.
Pop Culture
- Narcissistic characters often appear in literature and films, representing vanity and self-absorption, like in works by Oscar Wilde.
- Reality TV has been critiqued for promoting narcissistic behaviors, as contestants frequently seek fame and attention.
- Songs like 'You're So Vain' by Carly Simon capture the essence of narcissism, addressing individuals who are overly self-centered.
Literature
- The theme of narcissism recurs in many classic stories, highlighting the pitfalls of self-obsession, such as in Shakespeare's 'Hamlet'.
- Modern literature often incorporates narcissistic characters to explore themes of identity and social media influence.
- Poets have used metaphors of reflection to delve into self-love and vanity, showcasing the duality of appreciation and obsession with oneself.
Sociology
- Studies have shown that increasing social media use correlates with rising rates of narcissism among users.
- Cultural narratives about individualism may reinforce narcissistic behaviors, especially in highly competitive societies.
- Interpersonal relationships can become strained in environments where narcissistic traits are prevalent, affecting group dynamics.
Origin of 'narcissistic'
The term 'narcissistic' derives from the Greek myth of Narcissus, a beautiful youth who fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water. This myth serves as a metaphor for excessive self-love and vanity. The concept of narcissism was further developed in psychology by Sigmund Freud, who explored its role in the human psyche. Today, narcissistic traits are recognized in various personality disorders and have become a common topic of discussion in the fields of psychology and mental health.