solipsism

[ sol-ip-siz-uhm ]

noun

1. Philosophy. the theory that only the self exists, or can be proved to exist.
2. extreme preoccupation with and indulgence of one's feelings, desires, etc.; egoistic self-absorption.

solipsism

/ ˈsɒlɪpˌsɪzəm /

noun

1. philosophy the extreme form of scepticism which denies the possibility of any knowledge other than of one's own existence

solipsism

1. The belief that all reality is just one's own imagining of reality, and that one's self is the only thing that exists.

Derived Forms

• ˈsolipsist, nounadjective
• ˌsolipˈsistic, adjective

Other Words From

• solip·sismal adjective
• solip·sist noun adjective
• sol·ip·sis·tic [sol-ip-, sis, -tik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of solipsism¹

1880–85; sol(i)- ¹ + Latin ips ( e ) self + -ism

Word History and Origins

Origin of solipsism¹

C19: from Latin sōlus alone + ipse self

Example Sentences

I recognize the solipsism and selfishness in this, but also the act of self-preservation that it represents.

From Nautilus

For one, the personal nature of some of the songs should not be taken as a retreat from the body politic into solipsism.

From Washington Post

They are based on the solipsism of influential people who are scandalized only by injustices that they experience personally.

From Washington Post

At the very same time, he has to paint a picture of the near-apocalyptic consequences of right-wing solipsism.

From The Daily Beast

But in the age of the iPod, where solipsism has been made sophisticated, they are more right than anyone ever imagined.

From The Daily Beast

Of course, when an entire throng is trying to rise above itself, an epidemic of free-form vulgarity and solipsism ensues.

From The Daily Beast

The Democrats had better start learning what Ayn Rand knew, despite her foolish solipsism.

From The Daily Beast

Thus idealists are wedded to solipsism irrevocably; and it is a happy marriage, only the name of the lady has to be changed.

From Project Gutenberg

I realize now that I may have been falling into the trap of solipsism, “who watches the quad,” et cetera, type of thing.

From Project Gutenberg

Why not admit solipsism and be true to the transcendental method?

From Project Gutenberg

This theory is also called Subjective Idealism or Solipsism.

From Project Gutenberg

The philosophic system becomes a solipsism, a pure lyric expression of the appetites of human nature.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• egoism
• self-containment
• subjectivity