How Do You Spell NARCISSISM?

Pronunciation: [nˈɑːsɪsˌɪzəm] (IPA)

The correct spelling of the word "narcissism" is often misspelled due to its unusual combination of letters. The word is pronounced as "nahr-suh-siz-uhm" (nɑrˈsɪsɪzəm) and is derived from the Greek mythological character Narcissus, who was known for his excessive self-love. The "narciss-" prefix is followed by the suffix "-ism," which means a belief, action, or practice. Therefore, the word "narcissism" refers to the excessive admiration of oneself and one's physical appearance, often associated with narcissistic personality disorder.

NARCISSISM Meaning and Definition

  1. Narcissism is a psychological term used to describe a personality disorder characterized by excessive self-admiration, self-centeredness, and an overwhelming sense of entitlement. The term originates from Greek mythology, where Narcissus, a youth who fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water, eventually died because he could not bear to leave it. In a similar manner, individuals who exhibit narcissistic traits are typically preoccupied with themselves and their own needs to the point of disregarding or devaluing the feelings and needs of others.

    A person with narcissism often seeks constant attention and admiration from others, exhibiting an inflated sense of their own importance and abilities. They are highly concerned with maintaining a grandiose self-image and will go to great lengths to protect their fragile self-esteem. This may manifest in excessive self-promotion, boastful behavior, and a disregard for the feelings and boundaries of others.

    Individuals with narcissistic traits tend to lack empathy and have difficulty forming genuine emotional connections with others. They often exploit and manipulate those around them for personal gain, driven by an intense need for admiration and control. Narcissism can be destructive to relationships, as the narcissistic individual may lack the ability to truly understand or meet the emotional needs of others, often using them solely as a means to boost their own self-esteem.

    While a certain level of self-confidence and self-focus is normal and healthy for individuals, when these traits become exaggerated and distort one's perception of reality, it can lead to pathological narcissism.

  2. 1. Self-love, sexual attraction toward one's own person. 2. A state in which the individual regards everything in relation to himself and not to other persons or things.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

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Etymology of NARCISSISM

The word "narcissism" comes from Greek mythology, specifically from the story of Narcissus. Narcissus was a young hunter renowned for his beauty, but he was also known for his extreme self-love and vanity. One day, he caught sight of his own reflection in a pool of water and fell deeply in love with it, unable to tear himself away. Tragically, his love for his own reflection led to his demise. Eventually, the term "narcissism" came to be used in psychology to describe excessive self-love and self-centeredness. The word "narcissism" is derived from the Greek mythological character Narcissus.

Similar spelling words for NARCISSISM

Plural form of NARCISSISM is NARCISSISMS

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