narcissus
C2Formal, Literary, Botanical
Definition
Meaning
A small white or yellow spring flower, especially a daffodil.
The bulbous plant bearing this flower, or a figure from Greek mythology (Narcissus) who fell in love with his own reflection, giving rise to the concept of narcissism.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Used primarily in botanical or literary/psychological contexts. As a common noun for the flower, it is often used interchangeably with 'daffodil', though botanically narcissus is the genus and daffodil a common name for certain species.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK English, 'daffodil' is the overwhelmingly common term for the common yellow trumpet-shaped flower; 'narcissus' is used more specifically for the genus, smaller varieties (like 'paperwhites'), or in formal/botanical contexts. In US English, 'narcissus' is also somewhat formal/botanical, but may be slightly more familiar in gardening contexts.
Connotations
Both carry botanical and mythological connotations. Using 'narcissus' instead of 'daffodil' can sound more technical, poetic, or deliberate.
Frequency
Rare in everyday spoken language in both varieties; 'daffodil' is far more frequent.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the narcissus (flower/plant)a narcissusnarcissi (plural)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in botany, classical studies, and psychology (relating to narcissism).
Everyday
Rare; 'daffodil' is preferred for the common flower.
Technical
Used as the precise botanical genus name (Narcissus).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- The narcissus blooms were a welcome sight in the park.
American English
- She ordered narcissus bulbs for her fall planting.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I like yellow flowers like narcissus.
- We planted some narcissus bulbs in the autumn.
- The myth of Narcissus explains the origin of the term 'narcissism'.
- The garden was a tapestry of early spring colour, with clumps of narcissi naturalised beneath the bare trees.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
NARCISSUS: NARCISSists love themselves like the mythical NARCISSUS loved his reflection, and they might be given a NARCISSUS flower.
Conceptual Metaphor
SELF-ADMIRATION IS A FLOWER (from the myth); SPRING/RENEWAL IS A BULB (from the plant).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- The Russian 'нарцисс' corresponds directly to the botanical and mythological term. However, the common garden flower is often called 'нарцисс' in Russian, whereas in English everyday conversation 'daffodil' is more typical.
- Avoid using 'narcissus' in casual conversation about spring flowers; it may sound overly technical or pretentious.
Common Mistakes
- Mispronouncing as /nɑːrˈsɪsɪʊs/ or /ˈnɑːrsɪsəs/.
- Using 'narcissus' as a countable noun with an irregular plural: The correct plural can be 'narcissus', 'narcissuses', or 'narcissi' (Latin plural).
- Confusing 'narcissus' (flower) with 'narcissism' (personality trait) in speech.
Practice
Quiz
In everyday British English, what is the most common word for the classic yellow spring flower of the genus Narcissus?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Botanically, daffodils are a type of narcissus (specifically, those with a large trumpet). Colloquially, 'daffodil' refers to the common yellow trumpet flower, while 'narcissus' is a broader term for the genus or smaller varieties.
The standard English plural is 'narcissuses'. The Latin plural 'narcissi' is also commonly used, especially in gardening and botanical contexts.
It is named after the Greek mythological figure Narcissus, who was obsessed with his own reflection. This gave rise to the term 'narcissism' in psychology, meaning excessive self-love or admiration.
Most narcissus varieties are spring-blooming bulbs, flowering from late winter to late spring, depending on the species and climate.