noun
egoist
EE-goh-ihst
Egoist (noun) means someone who believes that self-interest is, or should be, the basis of moral action. Example: “The philosopher argued from an egoist position that all actions are ultimately self-serving.”
noun
1
Someone who believes that self-interest is, or should be, the basis of moral action.
"The philosopher argued from an egoist position that all actions are ultimately self-serving."
2
A self-centered person who puts their own interests first.
"He's a classic egoist, never once asking how anyone else was doing."
How to use egoist
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA person driven mainly by self-interest, or someone who philosophically defends self-interest as the right basis for action.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Plural
- egoists
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The philosopher argued from an _____ position that all actions are ultimately self-serving.
Etymology
From French égoïste, built on Latin ego ("I") plus the agent suffix -iste.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for egoist
See all rhymes for egoist →Frequently asked questions
What does “egoist” mean?
The word “egoist” means someone who believes that self-interest is, or should be, the basis of moral action. In plain terms, a person driven mainly by self-interest, or someone who philosophically defends self-interest as the right basis for action.
How do you pronounce “egoist”?
“Egoist” is pronounced EE-goh-ihst (/ˈiːɡoʊ.ɪst/ in IPA).
How do you use “egoist” in a sentence?
Here is “egoist” used in a sentence: “The philosopher argued from an egoist position that all actions are ultimately self-serving.”
What part of speech is “egoist”?
“Egoist” is a noun.
Where does the word “egoist” come from?
The word “egoist” comes from Latin. From French égoïste, built on Latin ego ("I") plus the agent suffix -iste.
How many meanings does “egoist” have?
“Egoist” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: someone who believes that self-interest is, or should be, the basis of moral action.
