French Conversation · Level 75
60 words
French word
égoïsme
Pronunciation
IPA/egoizm/
Meaning
- masculine nounselfishness
Example
Elle admet son égoïsme et essaie d'écouter les autres.
She admits her selfishness and tries to listen to others.
More examples
C'était un acte d'égoïsme.
It was an act of selfishness.
Core concept
A private scale weighs one's own interests more heavily than the well-being of people nearby.
Common phrases
faire preuve d'égoïsme
show selfishness
un acte d'égoïsme
an act of selfishness
Similar words
égoïste: A person who puts personal interests first and gives little thought to others.
égocentrisme: A way of judging things mainly through one's own viewpoint and experience.
intérêt: Personal gain or concern that motivates someone's actions.
Definition in French
Disposition à placer ses propres besoins ou intérêts avant ceux des autres, parfois sans souci pour leur bien-être.
Word origin
French formed égoïsme from égoïste by adding -isme, with the base ultimately referring to Latin ego, meaning 'I'.
Usage tips
- French égoïsme usually describes self-centered behavior, whereas English egoism can also refer to a philosophical doctrine.