solipsism
LowFormal, Academic, Literary
Definition
Meaning
The philosophical idea that the only thing one can be certain of is the existence of one's own mind; the self is the only reality.
Self-centredness or extreme egotism in behaviour or viewpoint, often implying an inability to consider other perspectives.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a technical philosophical term (epistemology, metaphysics). In extended use, it is a strong pejorative for self-absorption.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in general discourse, slightly more common in academic philosophy departments in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to accuse someone of solipsismto lapse into solipsismthe solipsism of [person/group]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically in critiques of a company's strategy: 'The board's solipsism blinded them to market changes.'
Academic
Common in philosophy, literary theory, and critical studies to discuss theories of mind, knowledge, and authorial perspective.
Everyday
Very rare. Used as a sophisticated insult for extreme self-involvement.
Technical
Precise term in epistemology for the position that only the self's experiences are verifiable.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- Her solipsistic worldview made collaboration impossible.
- The novel is criticised for its solipsistic narration.
American English
- His argument was dismissed as solipsistic.
- The artist's later work became increasingly solipsistic.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- His constant talking about himself showed a kind of solipsism.
- The philosopher discussed the problem of solipsism.
- The critique accused the poet's late work of descending into a tedious solipsism, disconnected from shared human experience.
- Epistemological solipsism poses a radical challenge to the assumption that we can know other minds.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SOLo + I + PSyche + ISM = an 'ism' where your solo psyche (mind/self) is all that exists.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MIND IS A FORTRESS / THE SELF IS THE UNIVERSE
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'эгоизм' (egoism/selfishness) - solipsism is more radical and philosophical. The closer Russian philosophical term is 'солипсизм' (a direct loanword).
Common Mistakes
- Mispronunciation (e.g., 'soul-ipsism').
- Using it as a simple synonym for 'selfishness' without its philosophical weight.
- Incorrect plural form: remains 'solipsism' (uncountable).
Practice
Quiz
In its extended, non-technical sense, 'solipsism' is closest in meaning to:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. Selfishness is about prioritising one's own needs. Solipsism, in its extended sense, is a deeper psychological or intellectual state of being unable to genuinely acknowledge that other minds have independent reality.
In philosophy, one can hold solipsism as a theoretical position, though it is widely considered an untenable and unfalsifiable viewpoint. Few philosophers seriously adhere to it.
No standard verb form exists. One might say 'to be solipsistic' or 'to lapse into solipsism'.
No, it is a philosophical concept. However, extreme, pathological self-absorption or a profound lack of empathy in psychiatric conditions might be described metaphorically as 'solipsistic'.
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Philosophical Vocabulary
C2 · 44 words · Technical terms used in academic philosophy.
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