egoism - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
egoism Word Meanings
- A tendency to think only about oneself.
- Self-interest as a basis for action.
- An excessive concern for one's own welfare.
egoism Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
egoism Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈiːɡəʊɪzəm/
US
/ˈiːɡoʊɪzəm/
egoism Word Etymology
(a) ego + -ism; (b) from Latin 'ego' (I) → Old French → English; (c) Imagine a person gazing into a mirror, only seeing their own reflection and nothing else.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Egoism is a tendency to think about oneself above others, guiding actions by self-interest. It can range from a practical concern for personal welfare to a persistent insistence on one's own needs at the expense of others. In moral and political philosophy, egoism is contrasted with altruism, which prioritizes others. In everyday speech, people call someone egotistical or self-centered when their behavior mainly serves their own interests. The word appears in phrases like economic egoism, psychological egoism, and ethical egoism, each with subtle distinctions about motivation and scope. Learning the nuance helps distinguish egoism from simple self-care or healthy boundaries.
Usage Reminders
- Be precise about tone
- Distinguish self-interest from selfishness
- Note philosophical uses (ethical, psychological)
- Avoid assuming always negative intent
- Use with altruism to contrast motives
- Check audience and setting
Common Misconceptions
- Egoism is always immoral
- Self-interest and egoism are the same
- Egoism means ignoring others entirely
- Egoism only applies to individuals, not organizations
- Egoism is a modern, invented term
Thinking Differences
For English speakers, egoism is often pejorative, implying self-centered behavior rather than a neutral concern for one's own welfare.
Learning Tips
- Compare egoism with self-interest and selfishness
- Note how tone changes with formal vs informal contexts
- Distinguish psychological egoism from ethical egoism
- Practice with contrasts: altruism, benevolence, and self-care
- Think of real-world examples to test intuition
- Check whether the speaker criticizes or analyzes motives
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the definition of 'egoism'?
A.A term used to describe group collaboration
B.The belief in self-interest as the foundation of morality
C.An emotional attachment to others
D.A strategy for enhancing team performance
Step 2: Usage
Choose the correct usage of 'egoism' in a sentence.
A.Her egoism was evident when she decided to donate her time to charity.
B.The team's egoism helped them collaborate better and achieve great results.
C.He showed true egoism by focusing solely on his own needs.
D.Egoism plays a vital role in promoting community spirit.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'egoism'?
A.Altruism
B.Cooperation
C.Selfishness
D.Empathy
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'egoism'?
A.Self-interest
B.Individualism
C.Collectivism
D.Narcissism
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where someone might exhibit egoism?
A.A person only thinking about their own career advancement while disregarding their team's efforts.
B.A community organizing a charity event for local families in need.
C.A group of friends discussing their travel plans together.
D.An individual volunteering their time to help others in the neighborhood.
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