self-interest
|self-in-ter-est|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˌsɛlfˈɪntrəst/
🇬🇧
/ˌsɛlfˈɪntrɪst/
personal gain
Etymology
Etymology Information
'self-interest' originates from the combination of 'self' and 'interest', where 'self' refers to one's own person and 'interest' refers to a concern or advantage.
Historical Evolution
'self-interest' has been used in English since the 17th century to describe a focus on personal gain.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'concern for one's own advantage', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
concern for one's own advantage and well-being.
His decision was driven by self-interest rather than the common good.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45