Narcissist vs. Egotist: What's the Difference?
Edited by Janet White || By Harlon Moss || Published on December 20, 2023
Narcissist is a person with an excessive interest in or admiration of themselves; Egotist is a person excessively absorbed in self-importance.
Key Differences
A narcissist exhibits extreme self-centeredness and a grandiose view of their own talents and desires, often disregarding others' feelings. An egotist, while also self-centered, tends to be overly boastful or proud, but not necessarily to the point of disregarding others.
Narcissism is often rooted in a deep need for admiration and a lack of empathy for others. In contrast, egotism is more about an inflated sense of self-importance and a desire to be the center of attention.
The behavior of a narcissist can be damaging in relationships, as they may manipulate or belittle others to maintain their sense of superiority. Egotists may annoy or irritate others with their self-absorption, but their behavior is typically less harmful than that of a narcissist.
Narcissism can be considered a personality disorder in extreme cases, where the traits disrupt the individual's life and relationships. Egotism, while potentially a negative trait, is not classified as a psychological disorder.
A narcissist often requires excessive admiration and struggles with criticism, while an egotist may simply overemphasize their achievements or abilities without the need for constant validation.
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Comparison Chart
Self-Perception
Exaggerated sense of self-importance, grandiosity
High self-importance, boastfulness
Impact on Relationships
Often manipulative and harmful
Annoying or irritating, but less damaging
Need for Admiration
Requires excessive admiration
Desires attention and recognition
Empathy
Lacks empathy for others
May not lack empathy, but is self-absorbed
Psychological Context
Can be a personality disorder
Not classified as a disorder
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Narcissist and Egotist Definitions
Narcissist
An individual who displays a lack of empathy and a need for admiration.
The narcissist ignored her friend's problems, focusing only on her own.
Egotist
A person who believes they are superior to others.
The egotist dismissed his colleagues' ideas as inferior.
Narcissist
A person who is overly concerned with their physical appearance and success.
The narcissist constantly posted selfies to receive compliments.
Egotist
Someone who often talks about themselves with little regard for others.
The egotist dominated the conversation, talking only about himself.
Narcissist
Someone who exhibits extreme selfishness, with a grandiose view of their own talents.
He was a narcissist who believed he was the smartest in the room.
Egotist
An individual with an inflated sense of their abilities or worth.
The egotist claimed he was the best player on the team.
Narcissist
A person with an excessive preoccupation with self-admiration.
The narcissist spent hours admiring himself in the mirror.
Egotist
Someone who desires constant attention and admiration.
The egotist was upset when he didn't receive praise for his work.
Narcissist
An individual whose self-centeredness affects their relationships negatively.
The narcissist manipulated his partner to maintain control.
Egotist
A person excessively absorbed in their self-importance.
The egotist boasted about his achievements at every opportunity.
Narcissist
Excessive preoccupation with or admiration of oneself.
Egotist
A conceited, boastful person.
Narcissist
A personality disorder characterized by an exaggerated sense of self-importance, need for admiration, and lack of empathy. Also called narcissistic personality disorder.
Egotist
A selfish, self-centered person.
Narcissist
Pleasure derived from contemplation or admiration of one's own body or self, considered in psychoanalytic theory to be a fixation on or a regression to an infantile stage of development.
Egotist
A person who talks excessively about themself.
Narcissist
(psychology) One who shows extreme love and admiration for themselves.
Egotist
A person who believes in his or her own importance or superiority.
Narcissist
(colloquial) An egoist; a person full of egoism and pride.
Egotist
An egoist advocate of egoism.
Narcissist
Someone in love with hisself or herself.
Egotist
One addicted to egotism; one who speaks much of himself or magnifies his own achievements or affairs.
Narcissist
Someone in love with themselves
Egotist
A conceited and self-centered person
FAQs
Can a narcissist be empathetic?
Narcissists generally struggle with empathy, often focusing solely on their needs and feelings.
Do egotists lack empathy?
Egotists may be self-absorbed but don't necessarily lack empathy like narcissists.
What is an egotist?
An egotist is someone overly focused on their self-importance, often boasting about themselves.
How do egotists behave in social settings?
Egotists tend to dominate conversations and seek attention, often talking about themselves.
Can a narcissist change their behavior?
With therapy and self-awareness, a narcissist can learn to change their behavior, though it's challenging.
Do narcissists form healthy relationships?
Narcissists often struggle with healthy relationships due to their lack of empathy and manipulative behaviors.
Is narcissism genetic or learned?
Narcissism can be influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and developmental factors.
What causes someone to become an egotist?
Egotism can develop from a variety of factors, including upbringing, personality, and life experiences.
Can an egotist maintain friendships?
Egotists can maintain friendships, though their self-centeredness might strain relationships.
How does egotism affect teamwork?
Egotism can hinder teamwork, as egotists may prioritize their success over the team's goals.
What defines a narcissist?
A narcissist is characterized by extreme self-centeredness, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy.
Is narcissism a mental disorder?
Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a recognized mental disorder, but not all narcissistic traits qualify as a disorder.
How do narcissists react to criticism?
Narcissists often react negatively to criticism, as it threatens their self-image.
How do narcissists treat others?
Narcissists often manipulate or belittle others to maintain their sense of superiority.
Is egotism ever beneficial?
In small doses, egotism can boost confidence, but excessive egotism is generally seen as negative.
Can egotism be a mental disorder?
Egotism is not classified as a mental disorder, though it can be a negative personality trait.
Are egotists aware of their behavior?
Some egotists are aware, while others may not realize the extent of their self-absorption.
Do egotists handle criticism well?
Egotists may not handle criticism well, especially if it affects their self-image.
Can therapy help a narcissist?
Therapy can be helpful, but the narcissist must be willing to recognize and work on their issues.
What impact does narcissism have in the workplace?
Narcissism in the workplace can lead to toxic environments, with manipulative and self-serving behaviors.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
