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selfish

/ˈsɛlfɪʃ/

Meanings
  • adjective

    concerned chiefly with one's own interests, needs, and desires, with little or no consideration for others

    - "His selfish behavior made it difficult for the team to work together."
    - "She was criticized for being too selfish, focusing only on her own needs."
  • adjective

    having or showing a lack of concern for others; self-centered

    - "The child's tantrum was a result of his selfish behavior."
    - "It is not selfish to want to succeed in your career."

Pronunciation
  1. /ˈsɛlfɪʃ/



    Source: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2101134"

Antonyms

altruistic , philanthropic , selfless , unselfish
Synonyms

egoistic , egotistic , egotistical , greedy , self-centered
Rhymes
Words rhyming with selfish
clever , weather , lever , never , sever , quiver , liver , giver , hiver , riveter , hivernator , jiver , stiver , diver , rivulet , rivuletter , civilian , rivetter , rivaler , rivulette , rivuletterman , rivalette , rivalizer , rivaletteer , rivaletteeress
Variants
List of all variants of selfish that leads to same result
selfish
Etymology
origin and the way in which meanings have changed throughout history.

From Middle English, from self- and -ish.


Trivia
Any details, considerations, events or pieces of information regarding the word
  1. The term 'selfish' comes from the Old English word 'selve,' meaning 'self.'

  2. In psychology, selfishness is considered a normal aspect of human development in young children, but it is expected to decrease as children grow older and learn to consider the needs of others.

  3. Selfishness is sometimes referred to as 'me-first' behavior, as it involves prioritizing one's own interests over the interests of others.


Related Concepts
informations on related concepts or terms closely associated with the word. Discuss semantic fields or domains that the word belongs to
  1. egotism: Egotism is a similar concept to selfishness, but it focuses more on an inflated sense of self-importance and self-centeredness, rather than just self-interest.

  2. narcissism: Narcissism is a personality disorder characterized by an excessive preoccupation with one's own needs, feelings, and appearance. It is a more extreme form of selfishness, as it involves a lack of empathy and consideration for others.


Culture
Any cultural, historical, or symbolic significance of the word. Explore how the word has been used in literature, art, music, or other forms of expression.

Selfishness is often portrayed negatively in literature and art, as it is seen as a hindrance to social harmony and personal growth. For example, in Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, the character Ebenezer Scrooge is initially depicted as a selfish and miserly man, but he undergoes a transformation throughout the story and learns to care for others.

How to Memorize "selfish"

  1. visualize

    - Visualize a person with a small 'me' sign on their chest, representing their own interests, and a large 'you' sign on their back, representing others. Remember that a selfish person focuses mainly on the 'me' sign.

  2. associate

    - Associate the word selfish with the image of a person hoarding resources or not sharing with others. Remember that selfish people prioritize their own needs over the needs of others.

  3. mnemonics

    - Create a mnemonic using the phrase 'Selfish people seldom share their shoes.' This can help you remember that selfish people are focused on their own interests and do not consider the needs of others.


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