narcissist - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
narcissist Word Meanings
- a person who has an excessive interest in or admiration of themselves
- someone who is selfish and thinks only about themselves
- a person who lacks empathy and is often manipulative
narcissist Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
narcissist Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈnɑː.sɪ.sɪst/
US
/ˈnɑr.sɪ.sɪst/
narcissist Word Etymology
narcissist = narcissus (a flower associated with self-love) + -ist (one who). The term originated from Greek mythology, where Narcissus was a youth who fell in love with his own reflection. Imagine a beautiful flower blooming beside a mirror, symbolizing self-obsession and vanity.
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
Narcissist is a noun for a person who is excessively focused on themselves and often lacks empathy. It can describe someone who seeks constant admiration and shows little interest in others’ feelings. In psychology, narcissism is a spectrum; terms like narcissistic describe the attitude, while narcissism refers to the trait or condition. In everyday speech, 'narcissist' can carry a strong negative judgment and sometimes a punishing self-critique in relationships or workplaces. Learners should be aware of synonyms such as egoist or self-centered person, and recognize that humor about self-absorption varies across cultures.
Usage Reminders
- Use with a negative tone
- Avoid calling people this casually in polite conversation
- Distinguish the person from a narcissistic trait
- Be mindful of cultural nuance when joking about self-importance
- Pair with context cues to avoid overgeneralizing
Common Misconceptions
- Narcissist equals egoist
- Loving yourself automatically makes you a narcissist
- Narcissism is a mental illness
- Only loud, successful people can be narcissists
- Being vain means you are a narcissist
Thinking Differences
Think of narcissist as a strong negative label; in English it's used to critique behavior, not a clinical diagnosis.
Learning Tips
- Note the negative connotation and use in appropriate contexts
- Compare with egoist and self-centered to sharpen nuance
- Pay attention to pronoun usage in compound phrases
- Recognize cultural variation in humor about self-importance
- Practice distinguishing noun narcissist from adjective narcissistic
- Watch for tone when discussing colleagues or public figures
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'narcissist'?
A.Person who hates everyone
B.Person who is very polite
C.Person who is always sad
D.Person who loves themselves excessively
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is the word 'narcissist' used correctly?
A.She is such a selfless person, always thinking of others.
B.He never thinks about anyone else, always focusing on himself like a narcissist.
C.He is very humble and always puts others before himself.
D.She is known for her generosity and kindness.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'narcissist'?
A.Introvert
B.Altruist
C.Empath
D.Egomaniac
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of a 'narcissist'?
A.Melancholic
B.Optimist
C.Pessimist
D.Selfless person
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would you use the word 'narcissist'?
A.Describing someone who is always helpful to others
B.Describing someone who constantly talks about themselves
C.Discussing positive qualities of a friend
D.Talking about different types of foods
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