Conceit Meaning in English

word

US

UK

Definition

'Conceit' usually means excessive pride in oneself or one's abilities. In literature, it can also refer to a clever or unusual comparison or idea.

Usage & Nuances

'Conceit' in daily use is formal or literary, and mostly describes arrogance. In literary analysis, 'a conceit' is a striking, extended metaphor. Do not confuse 'conceit' with 'concept' (an idea) or 'conceited' (the adjective). Rarely used in everyday conversation.

• Spanish: vanidad - engreimiento - idea ingeniosa (literario)
• Portuguese (BR): vaidade - presunção - conceito engenhoso (literário)
• Portuguese (PT): vaidade - presunção - conceito engenhoso (literário)
• Chinese (Simplified): 自负 - 自大 - 奇特比喻（文学）
• Chinese (Traditional): 自負 - 自大 - 奇特譬喻（文學）
• Hindi: अहंकार - कपट - कल्पना (साहित्यिक)
• Arabic: غرور - فكرة مبتكرة (في الأدب)
• Bengali: অহংকার - বিশেষ রূপক (সাহিত্যে)
• Russian: тщеславие - замысловатая метафора (в литературе)
• Japanese: うぬぼれ - 巧妙な比喩（文学用語）
• Vietnamese: tính tự cao - ẩn dụ độc đáo (trong văn học)
• Korean: 자만 - 기발한 비유 (문학에서)
• Turkish: kibir - alışılmadık mecaz (edebiyatta)
• Urdu: خودپسندی - انوکھا استعارہ (ادب میں)
• Indonesian: tính tự phụ - ẩn dụ đặc biệt (trong văn học)

Example Sentences

His constant conceit kept people at a distance.

natural

There's a clever conceit at the heart of this novel.

natural

The poet used an unusual conceit in her latest poem.

basic

She hides her conceit behind polite words.

natural

Her conceit made her unpopular among her classmates.

basic

He spoke with great conceit about his achievements.

basic