The word "selfconceit" is spelled with a hyphen separating "self" and "conceit". Its IPA phonetic transcription is /sɛlfkənˈsit/. The "self" part is pronounced with the "eh" sound as in "elf", followed by a "k" sound. The "conceit" part is pronounced with the "kuh" sound as in "cut", followed by a stressed "s" sound and an "eet" sound as in "beat". The word means excessive pride in oneself, often leading to arrogance or egotism.
Selfconceit, noun, refers to an excessive or inflated opinion of oneself, usually accompanied by an arrogant attitude and a disregard for the opinions or feelings of others. It is derived from the combination of the words "self" and "conceit," with the latter meaning excessive pride or vanity.
This psychological characteristic often manifests as an exaggerated belief in one's own abilities, importance, or superiority, leading individuals to have an inflated sense of self-worth. Selfconceited individuals tend to harbor a high level of self-assurance, perceiving themselves as intellectually or socially superior to others in various aspects of life. Such people are prone to underestimating the achievements or perspectives of others due to their unwarranted self-importance.
The ramifications of selfconceit are multifaceted, affecting both personal and interpersonal dynamics. On an individual level, it can hinder personal growth and development by inhibiting one's ability to acknowledge weaknesses, accept constructive criticism, or learn from experiences. Moreover, selfconceit can alienate others, as those who possess it often exhibit an air of superiority, dismissing the viewpoints or contributions of those they consider inferior. This may result in strained relationships and a lack of cooperation or collaboration.
It is important to differentiate selfconceit from healthy self-esteem, as the former reflects an excessive and misplaced sense of self-worth, whereas the latter represents a balanced and realistic view of oneself. Addressing selfconceit requires introspection, self-reflection, and fostering empathy towards others. Developing a genuine appreciation for the strengths and accomplishments of others, as well as recognizing one's own limitations and fallibility, can help counteract the negative effects of selfconceit and foster personal growth and healthier relationships.
The word "selfconceit" is derived from two separate terms: "self" and "conceit".
1. "Self" comes from the Old English word "sylf" or "self", which means "one's own person" or "individual". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "selbaz".
2. "Conceit" comes from the Old French word "conceite", which means "idea" or "concept". It, in turn, comes from the Latin word "conceptus", meaning "a thought" or "a notion".
The combination of "self" and "conceit" formed the word "selfconceit", which refers to an excessively favorable opinion of oneself or an exaggerated sense of self-importance.