full of self

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "full of self" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is self-absorbed or excessively focused on their own interests and feelings. Example: "Her attitude during the meeting was quite off-putting; she seemed so full of self that she couldn't see the bigger picture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Full of self, actually.

The New Yorker

I was too full of self perhaps to be a great father.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The sort of face that looks full of self pity, but also arrogant at the same time.

The Guardian

It's Full of Self Consciousness.

Huffington Post

I was tired all the time, grumpy, irritable, suffered aches and pains, and was full of self loathing.

HuffPost

People that pick on other people are full of self hate.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Admittedly, he is full of self-esteem.

Huffington Post

I'm full of self-doubt".

The Guardian

Yet Vince Cable is already full of self-loathing.

The Guardian

I recoiled, rebuffed and full of self-doubt.

The New York Times

And I am full of self-doubt all the time".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "full of self" to subtly critique a character's inflated ego or self-absorption without resorting to overtly negative labels like "arrogant" or "narcissistic".

Common error

While "full of self" is a valid expression, avoid using it excessively in your writing. Over-reliance on this phrase can make your prose sound repetitive. Instead, try "self-absorbed" or "egotistical" to maintain variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "full of self" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe someone's character or state of being. Ludwig suggests it's a usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "full of self" is a grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to negatively describe someone overly concerned with their own ego. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a usable phrase, though not extremely common, appearing mostly in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "self-absorbed" or "egotistical" exist, "full of self" provides a specific nuance of being consumed by one's own importance. Therefore, writers should use it judiciously to avoid repetition and maintain clarity in their critique.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-absorbed

Focuses on the state of being preoccupied with one's own thoughts and interests, omitting the nuance of arrogance or excessive pride.

self-centered

Highlights the characteristic of prioritizing one's own needs and desires above others, lacking the emphasis on being filled with oneself.

egotistical

Implies an excessive sense of self-importance and a tendency to boast, adding a layer of arrogance not always present in "full of self".

arrogant

Directly conveys a sense of superiority and disdain for others, a stronger assertion than simply being "full of self".

conceited

Suggests an exaggerated opinion of one's own abilities or worth, similar to arrogant but potentially more superficial.

narcissistic

Indicates a pathological level of self-involvement and a need for admiration, a more clinical and extreme term.

pompous

Describes someone who is self-important and tries to impress others with their knowledge or status, adding an element of pretentiousness.

vainglorious

Highlights excessive pride in one's achievements or qualities, emphasizing the desire for admiration and recognition.

self-satisfied

Indicates contentment with oneself and one's accomplishments, which can sometimes border on complacency and arrogance.

smug

Conveys a sense of self-righteousness and satisfaction with oneself, often accompanied by a condescending attitude towards others.

FAQs

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

You can use "full of self" to describe someone who is overly concerned with their own importance or feelings. For example, "He was so "full of self" that he didn't notice anyone else's needs".

What's a less direct way to say someone is "full of self"?

Alternatives include "self-absorbed", "self-centered", or "egotistical". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say someone is "full of self" or "confident"?

"Full of self" generally carries a negative connotation, suggesting arrogance or excessive pride. "Confident", on the other hand, is a positive trait. The correct choice depends on whether you want to criticize or praise the person's self-regard.

What is the difference between "full of self" and "self-aware"?

"Full of self" implies excessive focus on one's own ego, often to the exclusion of others. "Self-aware" suggests an understanding of one's own character, feelings, and motivations, which is generally considered a positive attribute.