SELF AGGRANDIZEMENT Meaning and
Definition
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Self-aggrandizement is a term that refers to the deliberate and often excessive act of promoting or enhancing one's own importance, status, power, or reputation, typically at the expense of others or by exaggerating one's achievements or abilities. It encompasses the behavior, actions, or attitude of an individual who actively seeks to inflate or magnify their own worth, influence, or success.
Characteristic of self-aggrandizement is the inclination to continually draw attention to oneself and to prioritize personal gain or recognition over the welfare or interests of others. This self-centered behavior often involves engaging in self-promotion, boasting, or exaggerating accomplishments to create a more favorable image or impression of oneself. It may also involve putting down or belittling others in order to elevate one's own standing or to secure a dominant position.
Self-aggrandizement can manifest in various contexts, including in personal relationships, professional environments, or public platforms. It is often associated with narcissistic tendencies or a deep-rooted need for validation and admiration. Although self-confidence and self-esteem can be healthy attributes, self-aggrandizement extends beyond these aspects, as it often involves an excessive need for external validation and an unrelenting drive to be perceived as superior or exceptional.
Overall, self-aggrandizement is a term that describes the self-focused pursuit of personal glorification, often through the exaggeration of one's qualities or achievements, with little regard for the impact on others.
Etymology of SELF AGGRANDIZEMENT
The word "self" derives from the Old English word "self", meaning "one's own person", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "selbaz". This eventually evolved into the Middle English word "selfe".
The term "aggrandizement" comes from the French word "agrandissement", which means "increase, enlargement". It is derived from the verb "agrandir", meaning "to enlarge" or "to make bigger".
When combined, "self aggrandizement" refers to the act of promoting or magnifying one's own importance, power, or reputation.
Overall, the etymology of "self aggrandizement" encompasses two different linguistic origins: Old English and French.
