self-deceit
|self-de-ceit|
C1
/ˌsɛlf dɪˈsiːt/
deceiving oneself
Etymology
Etymology Information
'self-deceit' originates from Middle English, combining 'self' meaning 'one's own person' and 'deceit' from Old French 'deceite', meaning 'deception'.
Historical Evolution
'deceite' transformed into the modern English word 'deceit', and combined with 'self' to form 'self-deceit'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'deception of oneself', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act or practice of deceiving oneself, especially regarding one's own abilities or character.
His self-deceit led him to believe he was more talented than he actually was.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41