meaning - What's the difference between "egotism" and "egoism"?


I am interested in the difference between these two seemingly synonymous terms.



Answer



"Egotism" is an inflated sense of one's importance; it's being conceited or vain.


EGOTISM at Merriam-Webster



1a: excessive use of the first person singular personal pronoun 1b: the practice of talking about oneself too much 2: an exaggerated sense of self-importance



The egotist feels superior to others physically, intellectually or in some other way.


"Egoism" is a preoccupation with oneself, but not necessarily feeling superior to others.


EGOISM at Merriam-Webster



1a: a doctrine that individual self-interest is the actual motive of all conscious action
1b: a doctrine that individual self-interest is the valid end of all actions
2: excessive concern for oneself with or without exaggerated feelings of self-importance



The egoist puts themselves and their own needs before everyone else's.



Egotist: I'm the smartest, prettiest and most talented.


Egoist: It's all about me regardless of how I compare to everyone else.


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