egoistic

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'egoistic' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective that means "having an excessive interest in oneself and in one's own interests, needs and desires". For example: "John was so egoistic that he thought only about himself and never considered the needs of others."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A common reply is that the egoist's justification is egoistic but not her motivation, a reply that itself invites the charge of moral "schizophrenia".

SEP

Sentiments such as "I fear nothing, not even death" (Lubitz's breathing as the plane hurtled towards the mountain was steady); "death before dishonour" (failing to make it as captain); and "I'll show you" (the rejecting girlfriend, the wider world) can be elements in the egoistic suicide.

The Guardian

Without a certain deference to the beyond, human virtue would almost always degenerate into self-serving and short-sighted opportunism, would fall prey to vanity and egoistic isolation, to nothingness.

The Economist

"Monstrous, abject vice by which a man is transformed into a loathsome, cruel, egoistic reptile.

The Economist

For a long while I thought I was on the sidelines watching the parade, and it was quite a shock to glance down and see that I too was wearing a grey flannel suit.An egoistic character in the novel was based on Roy Larsen, president of Time while Mr Wilson worked there.

The Economist

There are many competing egoistic hypotheses.

SEP

Not surprisingly, Shaftesbury also rejects the kind of egoistic psychology he finds in Hobbes.

SEP

Realists view human beings as inherently egoistic and self-interested to the extent that self-interest overcomes moral principles.

SEP

This eudaimonism is widely thought to be an egoistic kind of consequentialism: one should act so as to bring about states of affairs in which one is happy or successful.

SEP

Smith's aim is not to give an account of human nature as fundamentally egoistic.

SEP

So perhaps egoistic reasons can, after all, be appreciated even from an ideally objective perspective on any of a wide range of conceptions of objectivity.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing motivations or behaviors, use "egoistic" to specifically highlight the self-centered aspect of the action. For example, "His egoistic pursuit of success blinded him to the needs of his team."

Common error

Avoid using "egoistic" when "egocentric" is more appropriate. "Egoistic" refers to prioritizing one's own interests, while "egocentric" suggests an inability to see things from another's perspective.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "egoistic" primarily functions as a descriptive modifier, characterizing actions, behaviors, or philosophies as being driven by self-interest. Ludwig confirms its accurate usage in various contexts. For example, "egoistic suicide" or "egoistic reptiles".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "egoistic" is an adjective used to describe behaviors or motivations driven by self-interest. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used. While it appears frequently in Science and News & Media contexts, writers should be mindful of the nuances in meaning when choosing between "egoistic" and related terms like "self-centered" or "egotistical". Understanding these distinctions allows for more precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

egotistical

Highlights boasting and excessive talk about oneself.

self-centered

Focuses on the individual's own needs and desires being the primary concern.

self-serving

Acting in a way that primarily benefits oneself.

self-absorbed

Implies a preoccupation with oneself to the exclusion of others.

self-seeking

Emphasizes pursuing one's own advantage, often at the expense of others.

narcissistic

Suggests an inflated sense of self-importance and a need for admiration.

self-obsessed

Consumed by one's own thoughts, feelings, or appearance.

self-regarding

Considering one's own interests and well-being.

individualistic

Stresses independence and prioritizing personal goals.

inward-looking

Concentrating on one's own thoughts and feelings.

FAQs

How can I use "egoistic" in a sentence?

You can use "egoistic" to describe actions or motivations that are primarily driven by self-interest. For example: "His decision was based on purely "egoistic" reasons."

What words are similar to "egoistic"?

Synonyms for "egoistic" include "selfish", "self-centered", and "egotistical". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "egoistic" and "altruistic"?

"Egoistic" describes actions motivated by self-interest, while "altruistic" describes actions motivated by concern for others.

Is it better to be "egoistic" or altruistic?

Neither approach is inherently superior. The appropriateness of being "egoistic" or altruistic depends heavily on the situation and the values involved. Extreme "egoistic" behavior can be detrimental to relationships, while excessive altruism can lead to self-neglect.