self-flattery
[ self-flat-uh-ree, self- ]
noun
praise and exaggeration of one's own achievements coupled with a denial or glossing over of one's faults or failings; self-congratulation.
Origin of self-flattery
1First recorded in 1670–80
Other words from self-flattery
- self-flat·ter·ing, adjective
Words Nearby self-flattery
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use self-flattery in a sentence
We judge of every thing by comparison, and self-flattery always renders the comparison favorable to ourselves.
Female Scripture Biographies, Vol. I | Francis Augustus CoxSuch self-flattery is usually the most amiable phase of discontent with one's own inferiority.
George Eliot's Life, Vol. II (of 3) | George Eliotself-flattery in so great and weighty a case, is the greatest folly.
A Christian Directory (Volume 1 of 4) | Richard BaxterAnd do you know—but it's all self-flattery I believe,—still I cannot help fancying the East wind does my head harm too!
The Letters of Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett Barrett, Vol. 1 (of 2) 1845-1846 | Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett BarrettIn indulging his contempt for him, he unconsciously practised an innocent self-flattery.
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