What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
selfish
Example
He was being selfish when he refused to share his toys with the other children. [selfish: adjective]
Example
She selfishly took the last piece of cake without asking if anyone else wanted it. [selfishly: adverb]
egocentric
Example
His egocentric behavior made it difficult for him to maintain friendships. [egocentric: adjective]
Example
She was so egocentric that she couldn't see how her actions were affecting those around her. [egocentrically: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Selfish is a more commonly used word in everyday language than egocentric. However, both words are useful for describing negative personality traits.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between selfish and egocentric?
Both selfish and egocentric can be used in formal and informal contexts, but egocentric may be more commonly used in clinical or psychological settings.
