Egotist
nounAn egotist is a person who thinks and talks excessively about themselves and their accomplishments, believing they are superior to others. They are often self-absorbed and show a strong, sometimes annoying, sense of self-importance, caring little for the feelings or opinions of others.
Have you ever met someone who always talks about themselves, their achievements, and how great they are, without seeming interested in anyone else? That person might be an egotist. They truly believe they are the most important person in the room and want everyone to know it.
It's important to understand that an egotist is different from someone who is simply confident or proud of their work. An egotist's self-love is usually excessive and makes them ignore other people's feelings and contributions, often making them annoying or difficult to be around.
Is “egotist” positive or negative?
“Egotist” is a negative word. This word has a strong negative connotation. It describes someone whose self-admiration is so extreme that it makes them inconsiderate and difficult to interact with. You use it when you want to criticize someone for being overly self-centered and boastful.
Egotist in a sentence
- “My uncle is such an egotist; he spent the entire dinner talking about his new car and promotion.
- “She was tired of listening to her coworker, a complete egotist, constantly brag about her sales figures.
- “The young artist's talent was undeniable, but his egotist tendencies made him unpopular with his peers.
- “Don't be an egotist; remember to ask your friends about their day too.
- “His speech was full of 'I' statements, revealing him to be an unabashed egotist.
- “A good manager avoids being an egotist and instead focuses on empowering their team members.
Common phrases with “egotist”
Words similar to “egotist” (and how they differ)
While an egotist is self-absorbed, a narcissist has a more extreme and often pathological self-love, often lacking empathy and needing constant admiration. Narcissism is a personality disorder.
“He wasn't just vain; his complete disregard for others' feelings suggested he might be a true narcissist.”
A boaster is someone who talks about their achievements or possessions with excessive pride. While an egotist might boast, a boaster's main characteristic is the act of bragging, not necessarily deep self-absorption.
“He's a boaster, always telling everyone how much money he makes.”
An arrogant person believes they are superior and acts as if others are inferior, often showing disdain or disrespect. An egotist might be arrogant, but arrogance specifically emphasizes looking down on others.
“Her arrogant attitude made it difficult for her to work effectively in a team.”
A conceited person has an excessive pride in themselves, often about their appearance, abilities, or intelligence. This is very close to an egotist, but 'conceited' often emphasizes vanity or superficial pride.
“He's so conceited, always checking his reflection in every mirror he passes.”
A self-centered person is primarily concerned with their own needs, interests, or desires, often to the exclusion of others. This is a broader term; an egotist is always self-centered, but not all self-centered people are necessarily boastful or superior-feeling.
“She's very self-centered and rarely thinks about how her actions affect her family.”
Opposites of “egotist”
Word family
This describes someone or something that shows excessive self-importance; for example, 'His egotistical remarks annoyed everyone.'
This refers to the quality or trait of being excessively self-absorbed or conceited; for example, 'Her constant need for attention was a clear sign of egotism.'
This refers to a person's sense of self-esteem or self-importance; for example, 'He has a huge ego, so he doesn't like to be criticized.'
Where the word comes from
The word 'egotist' comes from the Latin word 'ego,' meaning 'I,' combined with the suffix '-ist,' which indicates a person who practices or believes in something. So, an egotist is literally someone focused on 'I' or themselves.
Frequently asked
What does 'egotist' mean?
An egotist is a person who is excessively focused on themselves, their own importance, and their achievements, often talking about them constantly and showing little interest in others. They believe they are superior.
Is 'egotist' positive or negative?
'Egotist' is a strongly negative word. It describes a personality trait that is generally considered annoying, rude, and self-absorbed, implying a lack of consideration for others.
How do you use 'egotist' in a sentence?
You can say, 'My boss is such an egotist; he never listens to anyone else's ideas.' Or, 'Don't be an egotist; share the credit with your team.'
What is the difference between an egotist and a narcissist?
An egotist is someone excessively self-centered and boastful. A narcissist is a more extreme case, often having a deep psychological need for admiration, a lack of empathy, and a grandiose sense of self, which can be part of a personality disorder.
Can an egotist be a good leader?
Generally, no. While an egotist might be confident, their focus on themselves often prevents them from truly listening to, motivating, or empowering their team. Effective leaders usually prioritize their team and mission over personal glory.
What are some signs that someone is an egotist?
Signs of an egotist include constantly talking about themselves, interrupting others to redirect conversations back to their own experiences, taking excessive credit for group efforts, and showing little interest in others' lives or feelings.