noun
narcissism
NAH-suh-sihzm
Narcissism (noun) means an excessive focus on and admiration of oneself, often paired with looking down on others. Example: “His narcissism made it impossible for him to accept any criticism.”
noun
1
An excessive focus on and admiration of oneself, often paired with looking down on others.
"His narcissism made it impossible for him to accept any criticism."
"Social media is sometimes blamed for encouraging narcissism."
How to use narcissism
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn unhealthy obsession with oneself and one's own image.
Common pairings
narcissism and ego
signs of narcissism
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Word forms
- Plural
- narcissisms
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His _____ made it impossible for him to accept any criticism.
Etymology
From German Narzissismus, built on the name Narcissus — the figure from Greek myth who fell in love with his own reflection — plus the suffix "-ism".
Synonyms
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narcism
self-love
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “narcissism” mean?
The word “narcissism” means an excessive focus on and admiration of oneself, often paired with looking down on others. In plain terms, an unhealthy obsession with oneself and one's own image.
How do you pronounce “narcissism”?
“Narcissism” is pronounced NAH-suh-sihzm (/ˈnɑɹsəˌsɪzm/ in IPA).
How do you use “narcissism” in a sentence?
Here is “narcissism” used in a sentence: “His narcissism made it impossible for him to accept any criticism.”
What part of speech is “narcissism”?
“Narcissism” is a noun.
Where does the word “narcissism” come from?
The word “narcissism” comes from German. From German Narzissismus, built on the name Narcissus — the figure from Greek myth who fell in love with his own reflection — plus the suffix "-ism".
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