self-deception: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, academic, psychological, literary
Quick answer
What does “self-deception” mean?
The act or process of deceiving oneself.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act or process of deceiving oneself; the condition of believing something to be true about oneself that is actually false or unfounded.
A psychological state or process involving the denial or distortion of one's true feelings, motives, or situation, often as an unconscious defense mechanism to avoid uncomfortable realities.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or spelling. Compound spelling with hyphen is standard in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, carries a negative connotation of psychological weakness or lack of intellectual honesty.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in academic and psychological contexts in both varieties; no notable frequency difference between regions.
Grammar
How to Use “self-deception” in a Sentence
[subject] engage(s) in self-deception[subject] is guilty of self-deceptionIt is self-deception to [verb phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “self-deception” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He is deceiving himself if he thinks the plan will work.
- They self-deceive to avoid the painful truth.
American English
- She's just deceiving herself about his intentions.
- Stop self-deceiving and face the facts.
adverb
British English
- He lived self-deceivingly for years.
- She argued self-deceptively for the failed policy.
American English
- He self-deceptively ignored the warning signs.
- She acted self-deceivingly to maintain her comfort.
adjective
British English
- He was in a self-deceiving state of optimism.
- It was a self-deceived belief.
American English
- Her self-deceiving attitude prevented progress.
- They are self-deceived about their chances.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used when discussing corporate blind spots, failed strategies based on unrealistic self-assessment, or leadership failures.
Academic
Common in psychology, philosophy, political science, and literary criticism to analyse character or ideological bias.
Everyday
Used to describe someone refusing to acknowledge a personal flaw, a relationship problem, or an obvious truth.
Technical
In psychology/psychiatry, refers to specific defence mechanisms like denial or rationalisation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “self-deception”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “self-deception”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “self-deception”
- Spelling as one word ("selfdeception") or two separate words ("self deception"). The standard is hyphenated. Incorrectly using as a countable noun (e.g., 'a self-deception'). Usually uncountable, though 'an act of self-deception' is fine.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is typically an unconscious or semi-conscious process. The person is often not aware they are deceiving themselves.
While generally viewed negatively, some philosophers and psychologists argue that mild, positive self-deception (like unrealistic optimism) can sometimes aid motivation and mental well-being, though it remains a distortion of reality.
They are largely synonymous. 'Lying to oneself' can imply a slightly more conscious, active dishonesty, whereas 'self-deception' often emphasises the psychological state and unconscious mechanisms.
Yes, 'self-deceptive' is a standard, though somewhat formal, adjective (e.g., 'self-deceptive thinking'). 'Self-deceiving' is also used, often as a participle adjective.
The act or process of deceiving oneself.
Self-deception is usually formal, academic, psychological, literary in register.
Self-deception: in British English it is pronounced /ˌself dɪˈsep.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌself dɪˈsep.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Fooling oneself”
- “Living in a fool's paradise”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a person looking in a mirror but seeing only what they want to see. SELF + DECEPTION = deceiving your own SELF.
Conceptual Metaphor
SELF-DECEPTION IS A VEIL / FILTER (obscuring the true view of oneself). SELF-DECEPTION IS A COMFORTABLE PRISON (providing false security but limiting).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'self-deception' considered a key technical concept?