solipsistic
/ˌsɒl.ɪpˈsɪs.tɪk/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
Solipsistic means thinking too much about yourself and your own feelings, with little interest in other people or the outside world. It can also describe writing or ideas that feel closed off inside one person's mind.
- His solipsistic view ignored everyone else's needs.
- The novel felt solipsistic and hard to connect with.
- Don't sound solipsistic in your interview answer.
Adinary Nuance
Solipsistic is close to self-centered, selfish, and egocentric, but it is more about being stuck inside your own mind. Self-centered is everyday and personal; solipsistic sounds more intellectual and often fits writing, criticism, or philosophy. Use solipsistic when you want to describe a mind-set that feels isolated, not just rude or uncaring.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- chỉ nghĩ về mình
- Spanish
- ensimismado
- Chinese
- 唯我论的
- Japanese
- 自己中心的な
- Korean
- 자기중심적인
Etymology
It comes from Latin solus, meaning 'alone,' and ipse, meaning 'self.' The word entered English in the 19th century through philosophy.
Common phrases
solipsistic viewsolipsistic thinkingsolipsistic argumentsolipsistic novel
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is solipsistic a formal word?
- Yes. It is more formal than self-centered and is common in essays, reviews, and academic writing.
- What is the difference between solipsistic and selfish?
- Selfish means caring mainly about your own benefit. Solipsistic means absorbed in your own mind or point of view.
- Can I use solipsistic in everyday speech?
- You can, but it may sound very literary or intellectual. Most people use self-centered or self-absorbed instead.
- Does solipsistic always insult someone?
- Usually, yes. It often criticizes a person's attitude, writing, or thinking.