1785, in metaphysics, "the theory that a person has no proof that anything exists outside his own mind," from French égoisme (1755), from Modern Latin egoismus, from Latin ego (see ego). Meaning "doing or seeking of that which affords pleasure or advances interest" is from 1800; opposed to altruism, but not necessarily "selfish." Meaning "self-centeredness" is from 1840. Between egoism and egotism, egoism is more correctly formed; there formerly was a useful distinction, with egotism tending to take the senses "self-centeredness" and "extensive use of 'I'" and leaving to egoism the theoretical sense in metaphysics and ethics.
雙語例句
1. He was looked down upon because of his egoism.
他因自私而受人冷落.
來自《簡明英漢詞典》
2. They seem to love the land and the people with a sort of fierce egoism.
他們似乎是帶著強烈的利己主義來愛這里的人和土地的.
來自《簡明英漢詞典》
3. Joel turned down all offer of help he badly needed because of his excessive egoism.
由于極度的自大,喬爾拒絕了所有他極需要的幫助.
來自《簡明英漢詞典》
4. It was only the last quiver of his egoism.
這是心靈的最后一顫.
來自辭典例句
5. Unconsciously, he had imbibed all the principles of egoism.