full of oneself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "full of oneself" is a correct and commonly used expression in written English.
It is used to describe someone who is excessively self-centered or arrogant. Example: "Sheila's constant bragging about her accomplishments made her seem full of herself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Maybe, but there's a fine line between being full of information and being full of oneself.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Selfies are photos taken by oneself, of oneself.

BBC

Spend on good education of oneself and family members.

WikiHow

Autobiography, the biography of oneself narrated by oneself.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In its entirety this Hasan, whether the Major or not, seems to be agreeing with the author that the taking of life in combat and opposing one's enemies is not the same as walking into a crowded market full of civilians and exploding oneself.

Huffington Post

It's a slow process that may not result in a full release of negative feelings or an exclusively rosy view of oneself.

University of California, Berkeley

The Internet was full of advice on how to prepare oneself spiritually for a basic lunar eclipse.

The New York Times

From their gender-neutral costumes to the impassioned a cappella reading of Jess Arnets' Collective Body Possum poem after Full of Fire, their message on loving oneself is clear: they want to leave their fans dancing feverishly, while feeling empowered and united.

The Guardian - Music

To get rid of oneself.

The New Yorker

"ThIt is not about the fear of the oneself he said.

The New Yorker

This paper draws on the work of Butler [Butler, J. (2005). Giving an account of oneself.

Accounting, Organizations and Society

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "full of oneself" when you want to express that someone has an excessively high opinion of themselves and their abilities.

Common error

While "full of oneself" is acceptable, it can sound informal or judgmental in professional or academic writing. Opt for more neutral terms like "self-assured" or "confident" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "full of oneself" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe someone who is excessively self-centered or arrogant. Ludwig's examples show its use in describing someone's behavior or personality.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The expression "full of oneself" effectively conveys the idea of someone being excessively arrogant or self-centered. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely understood, though more suited for informal contexts. While Ludwig's examples highlight its usage in various sources, it's important to be mindful of the register and opt for more formal alternatives like "arrogant" or "conceited" in professional or academic writing. Using this phrase effectively requires understanding its negative connotation and choosing contexts where criticism or disapproval is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conceited

A more direct adjective describing someone with an exaggerated sense of self-importance.

arrogant

Similar to conceited, but often implies a sense of superiority over others.

egotistical

Focuses on the person's preoccupation with themselves.

self-important

Highlights the person's inflated sense of their own significance.

pompous

Suggests a display of exaggerated self-importance and formality.

vain

Emphasizes excessive pride in one's appearance or accomplishments.

smug

Implies a sense of self-satisfaction and superiority, often irritating to others.

narcissistic

A more clinical term for extreme self-admiration and lack of empathy.

stuck up

An informal term for someone who acts superior to others.

big-headed

A colloquial term for someone with an inflated ego.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "full of oneself"?

Being "full of oneself" means that someone has a very high opinion of themselves, often to an excessive degree. It implies arrogance and a lack of consideration for others.

How can I use "full of oneself" in a sentence?

You might say, "After winning the award, he became so "self-important" and full of himself." or "She's so full of herself; she only talks about her achievements."

What are some synonyms for "full of oneself"?

Synonyms include "arrogant", "conceited", "egotistical", and "self-important". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "full of oneself" a negative expression?

Yes, it's generally a negative expression. It criticizes someone's excessive self-regard and implies a lack of humility or consideration for others.