The spelling of the word "conceit" is consistent with its pronunciation. The phonetic transcription of this word is /kənˈsiːt/. The first syllable "con" is pronounced with the schwa sound /kən/. The second syllable "ceit" is pronounced with a long "e" sound followed by a "t". The spelling of the word remains the same in both British and American English. "Conceit" is defined as an exaggerated opinion of oneself or a fanciful expression of thought.
Conceit, as a noun, refers to an exaggerated or excessive sense of one's own abilities, intelligence, attractiveness, or importance. It is characterized by an inflated self-image that often leads to an arrogant or pretentious attitude. Individuals who possess conceit tend to think highly of themselves, often believing they are superior to others and deserving of special treatment or recognition. This inflated self-esteem can result in boastful behavior or an overestimation of one's achievements or talents.
In literature, conceit refers to a particularly elaborate or intricate metaphor, usually with a surprising or paradoxical comparison. These poetic conceits often involve extended metaphors that may be far-fetched or highly imaginative. They can be found in various forms of literature, including poetry, drama, and prose. Conceit in this context represents a literary device used to convey complex and abstract ideas through vivid and striking comparisons, often creating intellectual or emotional depth.
It is worth noting that while conceit can sometimes be seen as a negative trait associated with arrogance or vanity, in the realm of literature, it can be regarded as a valuable tool for artistic expression and creativity. It allows writers to explore ideas and emotions in a unique and thought-provoking manner, offering readers a new perspective or insight into the subject matter.
An opinion; a pleasant fancy; an affected expression or forced allusion; an imagination of one's own importance.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "conceit" has its roots in the Latin term "conceptus", which means "a conception" or "a thought". In Middle English, the word "conceit" emerged, originally meaning "concept" or "idea". Over time, its meaning extended to include an individual's opinion or judgement about something, often involving perceived superiority or arrogance.