What is the Difference Between Egoist and Egotist?

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The terms "egoist" and "egotist" are related to self-centered behavior but have slightly different connotations and are used in different contexts:

  • Egoist: An egoist is someone who believes in or practices egoism, which is a philosophical doctrine or ethical theory that emphasizes self-interest as the motivating factor in human actions. Egoism can be of different types, such as psychological egoism, which is the belief that all human actions are ultimately motivated by self-interest.
  • Egotist: An egotist is a person with an inflated sense of their own importance, oftencharacterized by arrogance, conceit, and a lack of consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Egotism is often associated with boastfulness, selfishness, or excessive pride.

In summary, the key difference between the two terms is that "egoist" is more related to a philosophical or ethical perspective that emphasizes self-interest, while "egotist" refers to a person's behavior or personality characterized by excessive self-centeredness and a lack of consideration for others.

Comparative Table: Egoist vs Egotist

Here is a table comparing the differences between an egoist and an egotist:

Parameter Egoist Egotist
Meaning Puts own interest and needs first Exaggerated self-importance
Boasting Secretive Boastful
Selfish More cunning and selfish than egotists Not selfish
Associated with Egoism Egotism
Interested in 'I' and talks only about themselves Better and more important than anyone else

Egoists are people who prioritize their own interests and needs before those of others, while egotists have an exaggerated sense of self-importance, often leading to conceit or vanity. Egoists can be cunning and selfish, and they tend to be more secretive, whereas egotists are more boastful and not necessarily selfish.