Definition
Excessive interest in one’s own personal abilities, qualities, and achievements
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of speech
adjective
Synonyms
self-centered, self-absorbed, vain, conceited, boastful
Antonyms
modest, humble, self-effacing, unassuming, unpretentious
Example sentences
- John was so egotistical that he thought he was the only one capable of doing anything right.
- Susan’s egotistical behavior made it difficult for her to maintain any friendships.
- The boss’s egotistical attitude made it hard for employees to approach him with new ideas.
- Tom’s egotistical personality caused him to brag incessantly about his accomplishments.
Usage
The word “egotistical” is an adjective that describes someone who has an excessively high opinion of themselves, often to the point of being arrogant or conceited. The term is derived from the word “ego,” which refers to a person’s sense of self-importance or self-esteem.
There are several other variations of the word “egotistical” that are commonly used in English. For example, the prefix “self-” can be added to create the word “self-egotistical,” which emphasizes the focus on oneself. Similarly, the suffix “-ism” can be added to create the word “egotism,” which refers to the practice of being excessively self-centered or self-absorbed.
When using the word “egotistical,” it is important to note that it carries a negative connotation. People who are described as egotistical are often seen as unpleasant or difficult to work with, and their behavior may lead to conflicts with others. However, it is also important to recognize that some level of confidence and self-esteem is necessary for success in many areas of life, and not all behaviors associated with egotism are necessarily negative.
One common usage of the word “egotistical” is in describing individuals who are successful in their careers or other endeavors, but who may also have a tendency to overestimate their own abilities or importance. In these cases, their egotism may be seen as a hindrance to their further success, as it may cause them to overlook the contributions of others or fail to recognize their own weaknesses.
In contrast, some people may use the term “egotistical” to describe individuals who are less successful or accomplished, but who still exhibit an excessive sense of self-importance. In these cases, their behavior may be seen as a defense mechanism, as they may be trying to compensate for feelings of inadequacy or insecurity.
Overall, the word “egotistical” is a useful term for describing behavior that is excessively self-centered or self-absorbed. While it is important to recognize the negative connotations associated with the term, it is also important to consider the context in which it is used, as some level of self-esteem and confidence is necessary for success in many areas of life.
