Definition

1. Noun:
   • A self-centered person with little regard for others: An "egoist" is someone who is primarily concerned with their own interests, needs, and feelings, often ignoring or undervaluing those of other people.
   • A conceited and self-centered person: An "egoist" can also refer to a person who has an excessively high opinion of themselves, believing they are more important than others.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • He was such an egoist that he never considered how his decisions would affect his colleagues.
  • The artist was dismissed as a mere egoist, more interested in self-promotion than in creating meaningful work.

Advanced Usage

• Philosophical context: In ethical philosophy, an "egoist" is someone who believes that self-interest is the foundation of morality. This is a more technical usage.
  • The philosopher argued from an egoist perspective, claiming that rational self-interest should guide all actions.

Variants and Related Words

• Egoism (n): The ethical theory that treats self-interest as the foundation of morality. It can also simply mean excessive concern for oneself; selfishness.
  • His actions were motivated by pure egoism.
• Egoistic (adj): Behaving in a self-centered or selfish manner. Characteristic of an egoist.
  • Her egoistic behavior alienated her friends.
• Egotist (n): This is a closely related but distinct word. An "egotist" is specifically a person who is excessively conceited or self-absorbed and talks about themselves a great deal. While all egotists are egoistic, not all egoists are necessarily vocal egotists.
  • The bore at the party was a relentless egotist who only discussed his own achievements.

Synonyms

• Self-centered person: A person preoccupied with their own affairs.
• Self-seeker: A person who pursues their own interests, especially in an opportunistic way.
• Narcissist: A person with an excessive interest in or admiration of themselves (this term has a stronger clinical connotation).

Antonyms

• Altruist: A person who has an unselfish concern for the welfare of others.
• Humanitarian: A person who seeks to promote human welfare.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To have a big ego: This informal phrase describes someone who is very self-centered or conceited, similar to an egoist.
  • It's hard to work with him; he has such a big ego.

Noun

1. a self-centered person with little regard for others
2. a conceited and self-centered person