Conceited

Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/kənˈsiːtɪd/

Definitions

• Conceited (adjective): Excessively proud of oneself; having an inflated sense of one's own importance or abilities.
• Having a high opinion of one's own worth or qualities, often without justification.

Usage Examples

• "He was so conceited that he believed everyone admired him, despite his arrogance."
• "Her conceited attitude made it difficult for others to work with her."
• "Although she was talented, her conceited nature often turned people away."

Etymology

The word "conceited" is derived from the verb "conceit," which comes from the Middle English "conceiten" (to imagine or to think), itself from the Old French "conceit," meaning "thought" or "notion." The adjective form "conceited" began being used in the 16th century to describe someone who had an inflated opinion of themselves.

Synonyms

• Arrogant
• Self-centered
• Egocentric
• Vain
• Self-important

Antonyms

• Modest
• Humble
• Unpretentious
• Self-effacing
• Shy

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English, the word is pronounced with a clear emphasis on the second syllable: /kənˈsiːtɪd/.
• In British English, the stress remains the same, but the vowel sound may be slightly shorter: /kənˈsiːtɪd/.

Historical Usage

The term "conceited" first appeared in the late 16th century and was derived from the verb "conceit." Initially used to describe someone with an inflated opinion of their own abilities, it gradually developed into a more common term for excessive vanity or arrogance. The modern sense of "conceited" as a negative trait became solidified in the 19th century.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, being called "conceited" is seen as a negative trait, often associated with pride or vanity. However, in some cultures, showing pride in one's accomplishments may not always be viewed negatively. While conceit can imply an overestimation of one's worth, in certain contexts, it can also reflect a sense of self-confidence that is valued in competitive environments.

More Information

Being described as "conceited" often carries a social stigma, particularly in cultures that value modesty and humility. The term implies an exaggerated sense of one's importance, often to the detriment of personal relationships or social interactions. While the word is generally used to criticize an inflated ego, it can also be applied in a literary or philosophical context, where it refers to the deliberate or playful use of metaphor to compare seemingly unrelated things.