Conceit

/kənˈsiːt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

Excessive pride in oneself; an inflated sense of one's own worth.

His conceit made it difficult for him to accept criticism.

An artistic device or expression, especially a fanciful metaphor.

The poem was rich with conceits that illustrated the poet's unique style.

A fanciful notion; a whim.

Her conceit of being destined for greatness was evident in her ambitious plans.

verb

To think or believe; to imagine.

She conceits herself to be a great artist, despite her lack of formal training.

From Middle English: conceit, from Old French 'conçeit', from Latin 'conceptus', meaning 'conceived'.

conceit yourself

to have an excessively favorable opinion of oneself.

a conceited person

a person who is excessively proud of themselves.

in a fit of conceit

in a moment of excessive pride or self-satisfaction.

conceited

having an excessively high opinion of oneself.

conceitedness

the quality of being conceited.

Big-headed

Don't be so big-headed about your achievements.

Full of oneself

She’s really full of herself after winning that award.