self-conceit: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, Literary
Quick answer
What does “self-conceit” mean?
An excessively high opinion of one's own abilities or worth.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An excessively high opinion of one's own abilities or worth; vanity.
A specific, often unwarranted, belief in one's superiority in a particular domain, leading to arrogant behavior.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major spelling or usage differences. The term is equally rare in both variants.
Connotations
Equally pejorative and archaic/formal in both.
Frequency
Very low frequency in modern usage, largely supplanted by 'arrogance', 'vanity', or 'egotism'.
Grammar
How to Use “self-conceit” in a Sentence
prone to self-conceitsuffer from self-conceitpuffed up with self-conceitblinded by self-conceitVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Might appear in critiques of leadership: 'The CEO's self-conceit blinded him to the market's warnings.'
Academic
Found in literary criticism, history, or psychology texts analyzing character flaws.
Everyday
Extremely rare in casual speech. Considered a 'bookish' word.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “self-conceit”
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “self-conceit”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “self-conceit”
- Misspelling as 'self-conceive' (which is a verb).
- Using it where 'self-confidence' is meant.
- Using it in informal contexts where it sounds unnatural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In modern usage, they are virtually synonymous when referring to an attitude. 'Self-conceit' is slightly more explicit about the object of the conceit (oneself). 'Conceit' can also mean an elaborate metaphor in literature.
No. Unlike 'self-esteem' or 'self-confidence', 'self-conceit' is exclusively negative and implies an exaggerated, unjustified, and often obnoxious self-regard.
'Narcissism' is a clinical psychological term describing a personality disorder. 'Self-conceit' is a general, literary term for a character trait, less severe and not diagnostic.
It has an archaic, formal ring. Words like 'arrogance', 'vanity', and 'egotism' are more common in contemporary English to express similar ideas.
An excessively high opinion of one's own abilities or worth.
Self-conceit is usually formal, literary in register.
Self-conceit: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɛlf kənˈsiːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɛlf kənˈsit/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The sin of pride”
- “To have a swelled head”
- “To be full of oneself”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CONCEIT' as a fanciful, elaborate idea. 'SELF-CONCEIT' is the most elaborate and fanciful idea you have about yourself.
Conceptual Metaphor
SELF-CONCEIT IS A VAPOUR/INFLATION (puffed up, full of hot air).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the closest antonym for 'self-conceit'?