selfish Meaning & Definition
What Does Selfish Mean?
Selfish is used as an adjective meaning (clarification of this definition is needed)(The addition of quotations indicative of this usage is being sought:) Holding one's own self-interest as the standard for decision making. It can also mean Having excessive or exclusive regard and concern for one's own well-being, profit or pleasure, with little or no consideration for others.
Word Facts for Selfish
| Part of speech | adjective |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈsɛl.fɪʃ/ |
| Syllables | 2 |
| Synonyms | narcissistic, self-serving and egotistical |
| Antonyms | unselfish, altruistic and philanthropic |
| Comparative / superlative | more selfish, most selfish |
Selfish Definition (Adjective)
- (clarification of this definition is needed)(The addition of quotations indicative of this usage is being sought:) Holding one's own self-interest as the standard for decision making.
- Having excessive or exclusive regard and concern for one's own well-being, profit or pleasure, with little or no consideration for others.
- Of video game characters: relying on their own actions and capabilities to be effective in the game, rather than on other characters.
- Related to or equivalent to a selfish gene; best understood as existing to preserve and replicate itself in competition with other entities at the same level of existence, rather than at the level of the individual or population containing it.
Adjective
- Holding one's own self-interest as the standard for decision making.
- Having regard for oneself above others’ well-being.
Synonyms of Selfish
Antonyms of Selfish
Word Forms & Grammar
selfish (comparative more selfish or (proscribed) selfisher, superlative most selfish or (proscribed) selfishest)
Words That Rhyme With Selfish
Origin of Selfish
From self + -ish. Compare Danish selvisk (“selfish”), Swedish självisk (“selfish”).
How Do You Say Selfish?
You say selfish as /ˈsɛl.fɪʃ/. It has 2 syllables, with the main stress on the first syllable (sɛl).
Frequently Asked Questions About Selfish
What part of speech is selfish?
Selfish is an adjective.
What is another word for selfish?
You can replace selfish with words such as narcissistic, self-serving and egotistical. See the full list of selfish synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of selfish?
Words opposite in meaning to selfish are unselfish, altruistic, philanthropic and selfless.
What are the comparative and superlative forms of selfish?
The comparative form is more selfish and the superlative form is most selfish.